By Miguel Mike Medina
Toronto Blue Jays traveled to Yankee Stadium to take on the New York Yankees in a 3-game series on Friday night—two of the best teams in the AL East, alongside the red-hot Tampa Bay Rays. Before the season started, many of us thought the division would be between the Yankees and Blue Jays. The Rays intervened and told the world to “don’t forget that we exist.” It’s still early in the season, but there’s something about this series that will be the start of a fascinating AL East race. Who will strike first in this series?
As of Friday night, it would be the Blue Jays to strike the first punch. Vlad Jr got things started when he hit a two-run home run in the first inning off pitcher Domingo German. Brandon Belt had a good game against the Yankees. He went two for four which included a 2-run home run in the top of the 6th inning to give the Blue Jays a more comfortable lead. In the top of the 8th inning, he hit a 2-run double to bring Bo Bichette and Vlad Jr home. He is responsible for adding four insurance runs for the Blue Jays. They went on to win 6-1.
Blue Jays starter Yusei Kikuchi pitched for six innings, had three strikeouts, and gave up one earned run and two walks. He got the win and improved to 3-0 in the season. Blue Jays tied with the Yankees with a 12-8 record. Game Two of the series will be on Saturday at 1pm in a battle of two good pitchers: Alek Manoah vs. Gerrit Cole.