John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press
TORONTO — Alex Manoah has emerged as one of the stars of the Toronto Blue Jays this season. But even he was unable to slow down the offensive power of the New York Yankees.
Aaron Hicks drove in three runs on a double and the Yankees held on to shutout the Blue Jays 4-0 on Saturday.
Manoah believes he put on a good performance despite falling for four points and a second loss this season.
“I felt good, I was able to attack the strike zone and I gave my all to allow the team to win,” noted Manoah.
Manoah (8-2) struck out five batters but allowed six hits in five 1/3 innings for the Blue Jays (37-28).
Despite the loss, his ERA remained the lowest among Jays starters at 2.00.
“I think if I shoot, attack the strike zone and compete, I’m going to give my team a chance to win every time,” insisted Manoah, who has the fifth ERA in all. Major League Baseball.
Jameson Taillon (8-1) pitched for five and two-thirds innings for the Yankees (49-16). He allowed four hits, walked two and struck out eight.
Michael King and Clay Holmes came in relief to secure the shutout.
On the Jays side, David Phelps, Tim Mayza and Trent Thornton have also been on the mound for the Blue Jays.
The Queen City club has lowered its flag in the last three meetings. He still occupies the second level of the East section of the American, but is closely followed by the Tampa Bay Rays.
The Yankees lead the division with 12 games in hand.
Hicks hit a double, which cleared the bases, in the fourth inning.
“(Hicks) was decisive today. It was a great batting performance, said Ontarian Taillon. We are all aware that Manoah is fine. It was very difficult to reach.
“I mean, to put ourselves in a situation of having a hit like that, it feels like the bases are always empty against him.”
Later in the fourth inning, Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo was ejected from the game after an argument with officials. According to Montoyo, Yankees hitter Jose Trevino tried to hit the ball before it hit him.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa drove in the Yankees’ other run in the sixth inning considering a double.
Yusei Kikuchi (2-3) of the Blue Jays will get the start for the third and final game of the series against the Yankees on Sunday. He will be opposed to Luis Severino (4-1).
