Yankees face Blue Jays in series opener of AL East showdown The post Yankees Head North of Border to Face Blue Jays in AL East Showdown first appeared on EasySportz.

New York enters the series three games behind the first-place Blue Jays, with just 10 days remaining until the July 31 deadline. This is the start of a pivotal stretch. They play these three in Toronto, followed by three at home against the National League East-leading Philadelphia Phillies, then a four-game set against Tampa Bay.

Blue Jays superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr gave a World Series declaration after a sweep of the San Francisco Giants this weekend.

While their pitching was a bit spotty, the Blue Jays’ offence was spot on, the main reason why disaster was averted and why Toronto would win its 10th straight home game to tie a franchise record.

New York Yankees slugger and reigning American League MVP Aaron Judge notched career home run No. 350 just a few days prior. On Sunday in the rubber match against the Atlanta Braves ( NYY-ATL GameTracker ), he notched career homer No. 351. Here's a look at his first-inning blast:

It's hard to believe right now, but the New York Yankees had a five-game lead on the AL East at one point this season. That all changed in June, however, when a

Pinch-hitter Giancarlo Stanton delivered a two-run double and Bellinger added an RBI single that made it 7-3. But Judge extinguished the rally when he struck out against lefty Dylan Lee with runners on the corners.