The Yankees went out and did what they needed to do against this lowly Blue Jays team, which was to score early and score often. They were able to do that after getting two runs in the first on a Nick Swisher double and scored in all but three different innings tonight. Scoring early against a bad team is the best way for the other team to give up and pack it in early. The Yankees were able to get that done tonight. Robinson Cano had another great night, going 2-4 with an RBI. Russell Martin, who has been clutch for the Yankees all year despite a low batting average, hit a three-run home run to really put the game out of reach for Toronto. Eric Chavez would cap off the Yankees offensive outburst with a two-run homer in the top of the ninth before the Yankee bullpen shut it down in the bottom of the inning.
Hiroki Kuroda had a sub-par outing tonight, but he battled. Kuroda gave up ten hits in just over five innings of work but allowed only two runners to score after walking the tight-rope his entire start. Hiroki Kuroda is in line to pitch the Yankees final game of the regular season at home against the Red Sox, which may turn out to be a meaningful start for him and the Yankees. He needs to straighten himself out just like Sabathia has turned the corner in his last two starts. With an effective Sabathia, a capable Kuroda and a healthy Pettitte, the Yankees could have a powerful 1-2-3 in the postseason rotation. However, in order for that to happen Kuroda has to pick up his performance and pitch well on Wednesday so the Yankees know what they will get in game two or three of the ALDS.
Tomorrow is another huge game for the Yankees. With a victory or a Tampa Bay loss, the Rays will be eliminated from any possibility they had of winning the division. It has essentially become a two team race between the Orioles, who just keep winning, and the Yankees. Andy Pettitte will get the ball tomorrow afternoon as he tries to make the division race even closer. He had success against this team last week at Yankee Stadium, so hopefully the odds are in his favor.
Magic number for a postseason berth: 2
Magic number for a division title: 5
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