Paul Goldschmidt delivered a decisive two-run home run in the top of the ninth inning, propelling the New York Yankees to a 3-1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday night at Rogers Centre. The late-game blast spoiled an otherwise stellar outing from Blue Jays starter Kevin Gausman, who had held the Yankees in check for much of the contest.
Game Summary
The game remained tightly contested through eight innings, with both teams struggling to generate offense. Gausman struck out eight batters over seven innings, allowing just one run on four hits. Yankees starter Carlos Rodón matched him, yielding one run over six innings while striking out six.
The Blue Jays took an early lead in the first inning when Vladimir Guerrero Jr. drove in a run with a sacrifice fly. The Yankees tied the game in the fourth on an RBI single by Anthony Volpe.
With the score deadlocked at 1-1 in the ninth, Goldschmidt stepped to the plate against Blue Jays reliever Jordan Romano and launched a 1-2 fastball into the left-field seats, scoring Gleyber Torres ahead of him.
Yankees closer Clay Holmes worked a perfect bottom of the ninth to earn his 18th save of the season.
Key Performances
- Paul Goldschmidt: 2-for-4, home run, 2 RBIs
- Kevin Gausman: 7 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 8 K, 1 BB
- Carlos Rodón: 6 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 6 K, 2 BB
- Clay Holmes: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 K (save)
Impact
The win improved the Yankees' record to 38-28, keeping them in contention in the American League East. The Blue Jays fell to 35-31, dropping two games behind the division-leading Boston Red Sox.
Goldschmidt's heroics continued his strong season, as the veteran first baseman now has 18 home runs and 52 RBIs. Gausman, despite the tough luck loss, lowered his ERA to 3.12.
