George Springer homers twice, Blue Jays sweep Yankees to take AL East lead
Addison Barger had a solo homer among his three hits for New York. Aaron Judge drew his 23rd intentional walk in the eighth, matching Mickey Mantle's 1957 team record.
Yankees right-hander Clarke Schmidt left after three innings because of tightness in his forearm. Schmidt allowed three runs and four hits.
Jasson Domínguez had four hits for New York, but the Yankees were swept for the second time. They lost all three at Boston between June 13 and 15.
New York is 10-16 against AL East opponents.
Chris Bassitt (8-4) struck out nine in 5 2/3 innings, improving to 4-0 in five career home starts against the Yankees. Jeff Hoffman finished for his 21st save in 25 chances.
Springer went 3 for 4 with four RBIs and scored three times. The homers were his 14th and 15th.
Barger and Nathan Lukes each had three hits and two RBIs as Toronto won for the 11th time in 16 and jumped one game ahead of New York.
New York's Trent Grisham homered in his return to the starting lineup, his 16th. Grisham left Monday's game and did not play Tuesday because of a tight left hamstring. He pinch hit Wednesday.
Toronto's Bo Bichette grounded out as a pinch hitter in the seventh. He missed the previous three games because of a sore right knee.
Key moment
Lukes ended a 14-pitch at bat in the fourth inning with a tiebreaking two-run double off Clayton Beeter (0-1).
Key stat
Bassitt threw a season-high 113 pitches.
Up next
Yankees: RHP Marcus Stroman (1-1, 8.16 ERA) was scheduled to start Friday in the opener of the weekend Subway Series. The Mets had not announced a starter.
Blue Jays: LHP Eric Lauer (4-1, 2.60 ERA) was scheduled to face Angels RHP Kyle Hendricks (5-6, 4.66) on Friday.
___
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The Province
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Toronto Blue Jays' George Springer (4) celebrates his two-run home run against the New York Yankees during third inning at the Rogers Centre on Thursday. Springer hit two home runs in the big win. Photo by Thomas Skrlj / The Canadian Press It's almost certain that there will be a time this season when the Blue Jays go through a lull in form — and as unlikely as it seems given the blissful recency bias — a losing streak. But when it comes, what happened over the past four fantastical days at the Rogers Centre will carry fuel for the remainder of what is shaping up as a riveting summer of baseball in the city. Led by George Springer, the first superstar signed to build a winner in this iteration of the Jays, the good times are rolling and electrifying the downtown dome like it hasn't been in several seasons. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. 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Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Springer banged out a pair of home runs on Thursday night — his team-leading 14th and 15th — to lead the Jays to a thrilling 8-5 victory over the New York Yankees, dusting off the former division leader in a four-game sweep. And just like that, a Toronto team that trailed the Bronx Bombers by eight games at the end of May is all alone in first in the American League East. Dial up your favourite superlative. 'I think it's tough to play as consistently well as we have been, and there could be a natural letdown tomorrow, after a big four game series against the Yankees,' manager John Schneider said prior to what felt like the biggest four-game run of success in his time at the help. 'These guys have demonstrated time after time that they really don't give a (crap.) 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