We have to admit that the 2021 version of the Yankees is a streak team. And this, in both directions. After an incredible 13-game winning streak in August, seven straight losses to start September came to ruin everything.
More damagingly, four of those setbacks came against the Jays, erasing the cushion previously obtained in the fight for the best runner-up. After a snatch win over the Mets yesterday, New York is now on a par with Toronto.
Yankees are tied for the final wild card spot but on the schedule after today they have the Twins, Orioles, Indians (aka the no-hit kids) and Rangers. No excuses.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) September 12, 2021
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The three weeks that remain on the calendar will be thrilling. The Yankees clearly have an advantage over the Jays when it comes to opponents to come. They will have no one else to blame if they fail to stay ahead.
After the Mets on Sunday night, there will be a game against the Twins, followed by a three-game series against the Orioles and two more against the Indians and Rangers respectively. With neither of those teams coming close to a series berth, the Yanks have to win the bulk of these duels.
The Blue Jays, for their part, have an appointment for six games with the Rays and as many with the Twins for the same period. We can already anticipate the importance of the series between the Yankees and the Jays which will follow these two crucial weeks.
Aaron Boone’s men must have a slight lead over Toronto ahead of this September 28-30 clash. They will need other great performances like yesterday’s Aaron Judge and the offense in order to compensate for a mortgaged pitching staff.
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Jean-Francois Rivard
Publications: 113
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