Blue Jays: Grapefruit League Game 8 recap vs Yankees

The Blue Jays were able to move their Spring record to 2-5-1 so far, beating the New York Yankees on Friday afternoon in walk off fashion.

The Blue Jays faced off against the New York Yankees on Friday afternoon, sending Francisco Liriano to the hill as the starter against Luis Severino. Liriano has looked sharp thus far this Spring, and continued to look poised for a solid year, in his first full season with the Blue Jays.

The Jays sent out a good portion of their starters, still missing players like Josh Donaldson and Devon Travis from their Spring lineup cards.

Liriano made just his first start of the Spring schedule, striking out 3 batters in 2 scoreless innings of work. He allowed two hits, but didn’t walk anyone, a strong sign for the left-hander who joined the Blue Jays in a deadline deal last year from the Pittsburgh Pirates. He figures to bring up the rear in the Blue Jays talented rotation, presumably slotting in the 5th spot.

Jose Bautista, who re-signed with the Blue Jays this offseason, continues to look dialed in at the plate, hitting his second home run in as many days, which came off of Severino in the 3rd. The slugger didn’t receive the type of attention he had hoped for in free agency, and is looking to prove that he’s healthy and still among baseball’s elite sluggers. So far so good, I’d say.

https://twitter.com/BlueJays/status/837734341883150336

The Blue Jays lead for nearly the entire game until the 9th inning, when the Yankees’ Ji-Man Choi had a two-run single to tie the game. Jarrett Grube allowed the Yankees to get back into the game with just two outs remaining in the final frame.

Fortunately for the Blue Jays, Ryan McBroom made a name for himself in extra innings, socking the game winning solo shot, good enough for a walk-off winner. McBroom took an offering from Joe Mantiply over the left field fence, giving the Blue Jays the extra inning victory.

The Blue Jays continue their Spring schedule tomorrow against the Minnesota Twins, with the game getting underway at 1:05 CST. Casey Lawrence gets the ball to start the game, which will be his third appearance, and second start of the Spring.

Next: Blue Jays: How high is Aaron Sanchez's ceiling?