Danny Jansen plays hero, Bassitt delivers gem as the Blue Jays punch back against the Yankees
Chriss Bassitt delivered another seven innings of scoreless baseball as the Blue Jays walked it off in extras against the Yankees on Wednesday night.
TORONTO – It’s safe to say this four-game split between the Blue Jays and the Yankees, has had a little bit of everything.
From speculation of cheating brought on from Aaron Judge's odd side-eye’s while at the plate, to a game two that saw a volatile mix of emotion, an actual ejection of Yankees starter
Domingo German, and about as much barking between dugouts as you could expect. This series resembles that of your favourite guilty pleasure reality T.V. show.
The Blue Jays were looking to punch back on Wednesday though after dropping the first two contests in tragic fashion. And the drama continued with Danny Jansen playing hero for the second time in four days, launching a 10th inning bomb to walk it off by a score of 3-0.
“It’s definitely an exciting feeling,” Jansen said of his homer, the only hit with runners in scoring position in a 1-for-17 night. "We knew coming in that it's two good teams going at it. Every game is important, so you know it's going to be a battle throughout. Try to build momentum off it.”
Chris Bassitt was on the bump coming off of his complete game shutout against the Braves last Friday. After the game skipper John Schneider admitted that Bassitt – who appeared lethargic throughout his performance – was battling some congestion and not operating at 100%. Lucky for the Blue Jays though, you wouldn’t have known it. Bassitt followed up last week’s gem with another seven innings of scoreless baseball surrendering just three hits and one walk, while sitting down seven.
Bassitt continued to share the wealth amongst his arsenal ranging between 94 mph-69 mph with seven different pitches making up his 97 on the night.
Bassitt admitted himself that it would’ve taken a lot for him to miss the start. With Vladimir Guerrero Jr. day-to-day with knee discomfort, and Kevin Kiermaier also battling a clubhouse bug, not starting was never on the table.
“Basically, I tried to pitch like a zombie today,” he quipped.
Despite 10 hits and a total of 16 baserunners throughout the regulation nine, the Blue Jays were unable to break through. Jordan Romano was brought in for the ninth and sent back out in the 10th where he was tasked with getting out of a sticky situation.
The bottom of the frame rolled around and with Biggio on and Merrifield reaching on an error, the scene was set for Jansen to walk it off for the second time this week.
The Blue Jays will look for the series split as they go again with the Bronx Bombers on Thursday night. Jose Berrios will be on the bump as the Yankees will respond with Nestor Cortes.