Baseball Matchup: Step Back in the Bronx for Blue Jays, Bo Bichette Escapes Close Call

Toronto Blue Jays Fall Short in Soggy Saturday Afternoon Game Against Yankees

The Toronto Blue Jays struggled to secure a series win against the New York Yankees on Saturday, losing 3-1 in a damp and chilly game.

Louis Varland, who has been underperforming as of late, continued his struggles in the sixth inning. He allowed all three batters he faced to reach base, adding to his woes since joining the Jays at the trade deadline. Varland has been charged with at least one run in eight out of his last 10 appearances, and his ERA since then stands at a hefty 12.37.

The Jays' bullpen struggles were evident once again, as they went 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position and left eight on base. John Schneider, the Jays' manager, commented that the opportunities for scoring were less, and they didn't get the big hit.

Chris Bassitt, the Yankees' starting pitcher, was the hard-luck loser, allowing two runs (none earned) on three hits and three walks across five innings. Brendon Little later allowed a sacrifice fly off, adding to the Yankees' lead.

The Yankees took an early 2-0 lead in the second inning due to a defensive miscue by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at first base. However, Guerrero made amends in the fifth inning with a swipe tag on an errant throw, sparing Bichette from an error and saving a run.

Bichette himself had a close call in the sixth inning. After Nathan Lukes hit a single to right, Bichette was sent home, but was thrown out by a few feet. Tyler Heineman provided an assist to Varland in this play, throwing out Jazz Chisholm Jr. at second base.

There were some concerns about Bichette's health after he banged his left shin on the gear of catcher Austin Wells. He was in pain as he limped off the field, but X-rays came back negative during the rain delay that lasted for one hour and 46 minutes.

The Blue Jays managed to score one run on three hits and four walks in the game. Aaron Judge's injured right elbow was exploited by the Jays during Friday's win, allowing Daulton Varsho to score from second on a single. However, Cody Bellinger's presence in right field for the second game of the series seemed to improve the Yankees' results.

With this loss, the Blue Jays aim to win one more game to secure a series win and solidify their position atop the American League East. The Yankees, on the other hand, are now three games behind the Blue Jays in the division with just over three weeks left in the regular season.

Baseball Matchup: Step Back in the Bronx for Blue Jays, Bo Bichette Escapes Close Call