Toronto Blue Jays vs New York Yankees Box Score on Sep 29, 2017

The Sports Xchange
Sep 29, 2017

NEW YORK -- Masahiro Tanaka struck out a career-high 15 hitters in seven dominant innings as the New York Yankees blanked the Toronto Blue Jays 4-0 Friday afternoon.

Tanaka (13-12) rebounded nicely from allowing three homers last Friday in Toronto by retiring the first 14 hitters on 65 pitchers and recording his 12th career double-digit strikeout game and fifth this season.

The right-hander allowed singles to Ezequiel Carrera and Ryan Goins and a double to Josh Donaldson while constantly using his splitter to surpass his previous career best of 14 strikeouts set July 28 against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Tanaka faced two above the minimum and threw 68 of 103 pitches for strikes.

Tanaka's performance helped the Yankees stay alive in the American League East for the time being. The Yankees are 2 1/2 games out but a win by Boston over Houston on Friday night ends the divisional race.

He worked quickly and started the game by striking out the side in the first and getting 10 of the first 14 outs via strikeout.

Tanaka lost his perfect game bid when Carerra singled to second baseman Starlin Castro. Castro dove to stop the ball from reaching the outfield, quickly made the play but his throw was off-balance and slightly late.

Carrera stole second but Tanaka picked him off to end the inning. He gave up a bloop single to Goins but struck out the next two hitters.

Tanaka allowed his third hit when Donaldson lined a double just past third baseman Todd Frazier's glove. He tied his career high by striking out Jose Bautista for a second time and set it by fanning Michael Saunders and walked off the mound to a nice ovation from the crowd.

Dellin Betances put the first two hitters on in the ninth and Aroldis Chapman struck out two for his 21st save.

The Yankees scored two in the first on Castro's infield single and Greg Bird's sacrifice fly. New York added their next two runs on RBI singles by Aaron Judge and Bird in the fifth and sixth, respectively.

Toronto's Joe Biagini (3-13) allowed three runs on six hits in five innings.

NOTES: New York RHP Adam Warren was activated from the disabled list after missing 21 games with lower back spasms. Manager Joe Girardi said Warren would also pitch Sunday. ... Toronto OF Kevin Pillar returned home to be with his wife, who is expected to give birth shortly. ... Toronto LHP Brett Anderson (blister) is still expected to make his scheduled start on Sunday after his early exit in Monday's game at Boston. ... The Yankees tied a season high with four stolen bases. New York also stole four bases Sept. 18 against the Minnesota Twins.