Division-leading Blue Jays confident ahead of showdown with Yankees
The Toronto Blue Jays stunned the New York Yankees last weekend with a rare sweep in the Bronx. Three wins and 500 miles later, the Blue Jays are on the verge of making more history at the expense of their division rivals.
After sweeping their third consecutive series, the first-place Blue Jays will be seeking their franchise-record 12th straight win Friday when they host the Yankees for a pivotal three-game set at Rogers Centre.
Despite finding themselves in unfamiliar territory - it's the first time Toronto has been atop the American League East this late in the season since 1993 - the Blue Jays are heading into the weekend showdown feeling like they belong.
"Our guys are feeling good," manager John Gibbons told reporters after Toronto's 4-2 win over the Oakland Athletics on Thursday. "We're confident now. We're on a nice little roll and it means something."
Sweeping Success: Blue Jays' last 10
| Opponent | RS | RA |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Twins | 26 | 12 |
| New York Yankees | 10 | 1 |
| Oakland Athletics | 18 | 7 |
Toronto - which became the first team since 1954 to post multiple winning streaks of at least 11 games in the same season - is riding high after erasing an eight-game deficit in two weeks behind a high-powered offense and stingy starting pitching staff. The Blue Jays' dominant win streak has seen them trail in only two of 100 innings during their run, while outscoring their opponent 59-22.
"Unbelievable," infielder Ryan Goins said after keying Toronto's attack Thursday with a three-run homer. "Just coming to the park knowing that you're going to win a game that day, it's a good feeling."
Toronto will send newly acquired ace David Price to the mound Friday in search of multiple team records. Blue Jays starters have allowed three earned runs or fewer in 17 straight games - one shy of the franchise record set in 1991.