IN TODD YANKEES TRUST!
Frazier leads Bombers’ bashing of Jays in Toronto:
TORONTO — Todd Frazier had mostly struggled since joining the Yankees — until Wednesday night. Frazier had three hits — including a homer — scored four runs and drove in three more, leading the Bombers to an 11-5 victory over the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. The 31-year-old third baseman went in hitting .207 (12-for-58) since being traded to the Big Apple.
Frazier was struck in the left elbow by a pitch in the eighth and removed in the ninth. He said he was “very satisfied” with his offensive production. “I don’t think I’ve been struggling. I think my defense has been there. I’ve gotten guys over, I’ve gotten big walks. I thought I’ve helped this team out a lot, and hopefully I can keep that going.”
Gary Sanchez (18th) and Frazier (third as a Yankee, 19th
NEXT GAME YANKEES VS. BLUE JAYS
7:07 p.m, at Toronto, YES Sonny Gray (6-6, 3.41) vs. Marco Estrada (4-7, 5.12) overall) connected for back-to-back homers leading off the second inning. The Toms River, N.J., native added a huge two-out, two-run double in the fifth to give the Yankees a 5-2 lead.
Didi Gregorius (three hits) added his 18th homer in the third. Ronald Torres posted two hits and two RBI. Jacoby Ellsbury contributed a double and two RBIs.
The ever-inconsistent Masahiro Tanaka walked a careerhigh five. His final line: 4-plus innings, two hits, three runs (two earned), five walks, two Ks. Tanaka has given up 28 homers this season — including one to Jose Bautista leading off the fifth.
Yankees starters have produced five or fewer innings in 13 of the team’s last 24 games. Five relievers were needed last night.
Sanchez committed his 11th error of the season on a catcher’s interference leading off the third. The batter, Raffy Lopez, ultimately came around to score.
Clint Frazier — in a 5-for-33 slump — was a late scratch due to oblique tightness after he appeared to favor it during batting practice.
PLAY oF THE GAME
The Yankees didn’t execute it well, but they did produce a 5-26-2-6-1 rundown out in the second inning to retire Kevin Pillar as he got caught between third and home on Darwin Barney’s grounder to Todd Frazier. Gary Sanchez appeared to bungle the play a bit. Nevertheless, it did work out.
TURNING PoINT
With runners on the corners, two outs and the Yankees up 6-5 in the sixth inning, Tommy Kahnle struck out All-Star Justin Smoak to end the frame.
STAR oF THE GAME
Todd Frazier, who really needed a game like this given his rough start with the Bombers.