Take a deep breath, Boston Red Sox fans. On Wednesday, the New York Yankees were eliminated from World Series contention by the Toronto Blue Jays in four games. Toronto took Game 4, 5-2.
Cam Schlittler started the game for New York, one week after he dominated the Red Sox in the Wild Card round. The rookie pitched well, but the Blue Jays fouled off pitches and put the ball in play consistently. Schlittler struck out just two and allowed four runs over 6 1/3 innings.
The turning point in the game came in the seventh inning. With the Blue Jays leading by a run and a runner on first, Ernie Clement hit a ground ball up the middle that looked to be a double-play ball. It bounced off the heel of Jazz Chisholm’s glove, bouncing into the outfield and igniting a Blue Jays rally. Nathan Lukes singled with two outs, scoring two runs and adding to the Toronto lead.
The Blue Jays went with a bullpen game, using eight pitchers to get through nine innings. Seranthony Dominguez recorded the win, but every reliever used turned in a strong performance.
The game showcased Toronto’s strengths and New York’s weaknesses. The Blue Jays only struck out six times and played clean defense. The Yankees made a costly error and only recorded four hits by players not named Aaron Judge. They took walks, but couldn’t get the big hit needed to win the game.
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Devin Williams and Luke Weaver will be free agents this offseason. Their departure could be a big loss for the Yankees’ bullpen. In the outfield, Trent Grisham’s contract will expire, while Cody Bellinger has a player option that he is likely to exercise. New York, as always, will be active in free agency this winter.
The Blue Jays will face the winner of Game 5 between the Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners. That game will take place on Friday, with the American League Championship Series beginning on Sunday in Toronto.
