Vlad Jr. extends hit streak to 15 games in reaching base four times

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On a rain-delayed night featuring three of baseball’s legitimate heavyweights, it was Joey Loperfido who was able to punch above his weight.

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It’s no knock on the newest Blue Jay, but even the native of South Jersey would acknowledge he’s not in the same division as Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Aaron Judge and Juan Soto.

At least not yet as the early reviews continue to be positive.

Loperfido did not look out of place at Yankee Stadium, recording his first extra-base hit with his new team when he stroked a triple into straight-away centre, his second hit in as many games with the Blue Jays, and then produced his first multi-hit game in his second at-bat.

It was quite the beginning to a game delayed by some 90 minutes when rain descended on the Bronx.

Vlad Jr. extended his hit streak to 15 when he drove in Loperfido in a three-run first inning.

Soto stroked a stand-up double before Judge went way deep for a two-run belt, his 40th of the season as Judge knocked in his 100th and 101st runs of the season.

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Ernie Clement got into the hitting act by driving in three runs as the Blue Jays led 5-2.

Two times through the order against former Blue Jays starter Marcus Stroman and three players had already recorded multi-hit games for the visitors.

After allowing a two-out walk in the third inning to Leo Jimenez, Stroman was lifted.

The two runners Stroman left on base would be cashed by Brian Serven as Toronto’s lead would be extended to 7-2, just enough of a cushion created as the Blue Jays took the series opener, 8-5.

Both teams threw out runners at the plate in the early innings in what was one of the most entertaining games of the season.

Repeat performances will make the rest of the season a lot more tolerable.

It all began when Loperfido, who once again batted second in the order, set the table.

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He also struck out three times to give him five in two games, but at least he goes down swinging.

Defensively, he handled cleanly a double in the left-field corner before throwing a strike to Jimenez, who then threw to Server before the tag was applied to Gleyber Torres on a perfectly executed relay play.

When plays needed to be made in the outfield, Loperfido delivered.

A rare error by Daulton Varsho would lead to one of three runs New York scored in the fifth inning.

One out later, Jays starter Kevin Gausman was lifted for Genesis Cabrera, who entered the game with runners at first and second and two outs.

Cabrera struck out Jazz Chisholm Jr. to end the inning.

Gausman needed 93 pitches to record 14 outs.

In his most recent start, Gausman pitched his second complete game of the season in a win over visiting Texas when the veteran right-hander threw a career-high 118 pitches.

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He gave up eight hits, including two homers to the Yankees, while striking out two.

Gausman would get bailed out by his offence for a change.

One pitcher who acquitted himself well was Brendon Little in his 1.2-innings of relief.

Another was Zach Pop, who retired the side in order in the eighth inning.

Former Yankee Chad Green was then asked to close out the game when he faced the top of the order.

Back-to-back strikeouts brought Judge to the plate.

The count went full before Green struck out Judge looking in a dominant display.

There was no immediate word on George Springer, who was not in right field in the seventh inning after taking a foul tip off his foot.

KIRK NOT-SO OK

Alejandro Kirk, who was hit by a pitch to his left elbow Tuesday in Baltimore, is still dealing with the painful consequences, per manager John Schneider.

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While Kirk, added the skipper, could catch in a pinch, the best course of action involves rest.

When the Jays claimed Nick Raposo off waivers Thursday from the St. Louis Cardinals, it was a depth move to address a potential worst-case scenario.

As soon as Raposo was claimed, he was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo.

Serven had a nice day at the plate in Friday night’s series opener.

Still, it’s safe to say the Jays will be in the catcher market this off-season as they try to assemble a competent platoon.

NO LYIN’, RYAN

Ryan Yarbrough had some of his finest moments pitching against the Blue Jays when taking the mound for Tampa.

He’s now with the Blue Jays having reported with his new team following Yarbrough’s trade from the L.A. Dodgers, who acquired the veteran left-hander for former Tampa teammate Kevin Kiermaier.

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Yarbrough gives the Jays versatility, capable of starting or being used in relief.

A roster spot became open when the Jays optioned Paolo Espino to Buffalo.

The 37-year-old Espino started Wednesday and provided the Jays with four complete innings of generally underwhelming pitching.

BICHETTE UPDATE

Don’t expect to see the injured Bo Bichette back in the lineup anytime soon.

His season has been marred by injury and disappointment amid mounting talk he wouldn’t be averse to a change in scenery.

Any potential off-season trade must see a healthy Bichette playing and raking at the plate.

Bichette remains in Florida rehabbing his injured calf.

Once he’s healthy, the plan is to reinsert Bichette at shortstop.

When that date arrives is very much up in the air.

According to Schneider, Bichette has not engaged in any baseball activities.

fzicarelli@postmedia.com

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