Ernie Clement broke the tie with a solo homer off Caleb Ferguson to start the seventh Friday, guiding the Toronto Blue Jays to a 3-0 win over the New York Yankees.
Replacement hitter, Clement hit Ferguson’s second shot (0-1) into the left field stands.
Aged 28, Clement has only played 35 games in the majors over the last two campaigns.
“Our fans might not like this, but I was the biggest Yankees fan growing up,” said Clement, who grew up in Rochester, New York. “I was happy we could beat them this time. »
He got his first home run as a relief hitter.
“I like to keep it simple,” Clement said. When I come to bat, I look for a quick one that would give me the chance to do some damage. I had one. I’m just happy I was able to deliver the goods. »
Nick Burdi gave up the Jays’ next two runs on as many bad pitches in the ninth. The right-hander made three bad pitches in total in this inning, drawing boos from the packed house of 47,821 spectators.
Starters Marcus Stroman and Yusei Kikuchi gave up nothing to opposing hitters. Stroman allowed three hits in six innings. He hasn’t given up an earned run in 12 innings this season. Kikuchi limited the Yankees’ offense to four hits in 5 1/3 innings.
Yimi Garcia (1-0) got the final two outs of the sixth. Although he allowed two hits, Chad Green got his first save since 2022, when he suited up for the Yankees.
Juan Soto was shut out on four occasions with two strikeouts, in his first game in front of his new fans in the Bronx.
He bowed to the fans behind the right-field fence in the top of the first. The spectators returned the favor with a standing ovation at his first turn at bat in the bottom of the inning.
Giancarlo Stanton was 0 for 4, bringing his batting record to .120 this year (three for 25). He was struck out 13 times at the plate.
It was 122e opening match for the New York team, which now has a record of 81-40-1.