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news-hour-updated

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Game Recap: Yankees Welcome Back Fans, Fall to Blue Jays in Extras

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Apr 1, 2021; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) pitches against the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning of an opening day game at Yankee Stadium. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

For the first time in 531 days, the New York Yankees are playing in front of fans again.

Following Governor Cuomo’s order allowing outdoor athletic events to host fans at 20% capacity, The Yankees on Thursday afternoon prior to their loss against the Toronto Blue Jays, welcomed fans back in Yankee Stadium with an official attendance of 10,850. COVID-19 Protocols in place prohibited the roaming beer venders, and welcomed temperature checks and required testing for fans in attendance, which will be a mainstay for at least the first month of the season. It’s unclear when capacity restrictions could be relaxed in New York State.

The Yankees entered the season at mostly full strength, among those expected to participate in opening day, as only first basemen Luke Voit (Meniscus) and closer Aroldis Chapman (Suspension) were unavailable for the bombers. In Voit’s absence, newcomer veteran Jay Bruce got the start at first base.

Apr 1, 2021; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez (24) rounds the bases after hitting a two run home run against the Toronto Blue Jays during the second inning of an opening day game at Yankee Stadium. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

In a matchup of aces, Garrett Cole got the start for the Yankees, while lefty Hyun Jin Ryu took the mound for Toronto. Both pitchers made quick work of their opponents in the first inning, before Cole would allow three straight base hits to begin the second inning, surrendering a one run lead to Toronto on a Lourdes Gurriel Jr. grounder that found its way through the infield. The Yankees answered back quickly in the bottom of the second, as oft-struggling catcher Gary Sanchez got off to a hot start, hitting a 2-run blast into the left field seats in the bottom of the second in his first at-bat of the season.

The game became a pitcher’s duel as expected, with Cole going 5.1 innings, allowing 2 earned runs off 5 hits and 2 walks, while Ryu also completed 5.1 innings allowing 2 earned runs off 4 hits and 1 walk. Both pitchers picked up a no-decision.

TURNING POINT OF THE GAME: Headed to extras tied at 2, the Yankees, without closer Chapman due to his 2 game suspension relating to throwing at members of the Tampa Bay Rays at the end of last season, turned to right-hander Nick Nelson in the top of the tenth inning. An RBI single to Randal Grichuk pushed the Blue Jays ahead 3-2, scoring the runner placed at second base during extra innings after MLB adopted the same rule used last season.

In the bottom of the tenth inning, Julian Merryweather struck out the heart of the Yankees lineup to pick up the save.

FINAL: Yankees 2, Blue Jays 3

W: TOR – Romano (1-0)

L: NYY – Nelson

S: TOR – Merryweather (1)

Despite the loss, the Yankees should be encouraged by Gary Sanchez’s 2 for 3 performance with a walk and 2 run HR that put the Yankees on top in the bottom of the third. He will look to continue his hot start as the Yankees and Blue Jays play the middle game of a three game set on Saturday afternoon at 1:05 PM EST.

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