The New York Yankees capped off a major series win on Sunday, taking the rubber game of a three-game set with the Toronto Blue Jays to pull within 2.0 games of first-place in the AL East.
However, the Yankees took advantage of Blue Jays starting pitcher Max Scherzer tipping his pitches early in the contest. The Yankees were able to pick up on Scherzer tipping his changeup, as runners on second base would lift their arms up to signal to the hitter what pitch was coming. This resulted in a three-run home run from Ben Rice in the first inning, the Yankees would go on to win 4-3 to take the series.
Outfielder Cody Bellinger talked with The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner after the game about Scherzer tipping his pitches.
“That’s what was happening,” Bellinger said. “We talk about it pregame, and you just go out there and look for it. If you see it, then you obviously do what you can.”
The quick thinking of the Yankees helped close the gap in the American League East, and solidified series victories over the Blue Jays, and Houston Astros in recent weeks. The Yankees will match up with the Detroit Tigers for another challenging three-game set later this week, and will see the Boston Red Sox after that. From there, the schedule lightens up considerably, giving the team a good chance to enter the postseason on a hot streak.