Keller’s Clutch Hit Leads Yanks Over Jays

The New York Yankees topped the Toronto Blue Jays to keep their hopes alive in the Loser’s Bracket of the Baseball Maelstrom Tournament. But it wasn’t easy. John Olerud, Tony Fernandez, and George Bell had RBI singles in the 1st three innings against Yankee starter Jack Chesbro to put Toronto up 3-0. This after the Yankees had the bases loaded with no outs in the 1st and couldn’t score. New York finally pulled ahead against Jimmy Key in the 3rd when Babe Ruth hit an RBI double with 2 outs, Lou Gehrig walked, and Mickey Mantle hit a 3-run home run to give the Yankees a 4-3 lead. Álex Rodríguez hit a solo shot to extend the lead and chase Key in the 5th. José Bautista hit a 3-run homer in the 7th off Chesbro to retake the lead for Toronto 6-5. Tom Henke was in to hold the lead in the 8th, but Charlie Keller came through with a 2-run single after Tony Lazerri bunted Mantle and Joe DiMaggio into scoring position. Toronto threatened in the 9th when Carlos Delgado hit a 2-out single, and Bautista walked, but Mariano Rivera struck out Josh Donaldson to pick up his 2nd save. The 7-6 victory moves New York on in the Tournament as Toronto heads home.

Toronto @ New York (A) – 10/3/23