Wells hits two-run homer, Yankees beat Jays 2-0

Austin Wells smashed a two-run homer in the ninth inning to lift the New York Yankees over the Toronto Blue Jays 2-0 on Tuesday.

TORONTO – Austin Wells smashed a two-run homer in the ninth inning to lift the New York Yankees over the Toronto Blue Jays 2-0 on Tuesday.

Wells scored Gleyber Torres with the late blast as New York (80-77) played spoiler to Toronto’s hopes of clinching a playoff spot.

Michael King struck out five but issued five walks in six innings of one-hit baseball. Jhony Brito (9-7) and Clay Holmes came out of the Yankees’ bullpen.

Kevin Gausman pitched seven scoreless innings, giving up three hits and two walks but striking out five for the Blue Jays (87-70). Relievers Erik Swanson and Jordan Romano (5-7) of Markham, Ont., followed Gausman to the mound.

Toronto holds a one-game lead over the Houston Astros for the American League’s second wild-card spot.

The Seattle Mariners sat 1 1/2 games behind Houston for the third and final wild-card berth heading into play Tuesday. Seattle hosted the Astros later that night.

Although the Yankees were already mathematically eliminated from the post-season, manager Aaron Boone promised that his team would still put in maximum effort in Toronto.

“We want to win. We respect the season,” said Boone in the visitors’ dugout before the game. “Obviously, the Blue Jays are right there in the playoffs but we want to put our best foot forward and be as competitive as possible and hopefully get out of here with three wins.”