Yankees score four runs in ninth for win over Jays

A thin bullpen proved costly for the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday in a 6-4 loss to the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre.

TORONTO – A thin bullpen proved costly for the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday in a 6-4 loss to the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre.

With closer Jordan Romano and setup men Yimi Garcia and Chad Green unavailable, the Blue Jays could not line up their usual high-leverage options and the powerful New York offence took advantage.

Giancarlo Stanton homered in the ninth inning and Aaron Judge added a go-ahead two-run double as the Yankees scored four times in the frame to prevent a three-game sweep.

“The guys in front of me were having great at-bats to kind of lead to that moment and get us in that situation,” Judge said. “Once you step in there, just have some fun and take a good swing.”

Blue Jays reliever Erik Swanson (0-1) made his season debut in the ninth but gave up a leadoff homer to Stanton, who launched a 1-1 pitch an estimated 437 feet into the 200-level seats.

“He damn near hit it out of the stadium,” Judge said. “I think that’s what got everybody going.”

Tim Mayza came on with one out and gave up an RBI single to pinch-hitter Jose Trevino that tied the game. After Juan Soto drew a two-out walk to load the bases, Judge lashed a full-count pitch down the left-field line that scored Trevino and Alex Verdugo.

Victor Gonzalez (1-0) got the last out of the eighth inning for the win. Clay Holmes earned his seventh save.