Yankees 11, Jays 4: Offense explodes to even up series

The New York Yankees evened up their four-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays with an 11-4 win on Friday night. The Yankee lineup was shut down by Brandon Morrow on Thursday, but they struck early and often in Game 2 against rookie Chad Jenkins. The Bronx Bombers chased him in the fourth inning and spotted Hiroki Kuroda an early three-run cushion.

Nick Swisher dealt the first early blow, a double in the top of the first that scored Alex Rodriguez and Robinson Cano. The Yanks would load the bases one inning later, but managed to score just one run on a Derek Jeter ground ball that ended in a double play.

The game would be blown wide open in the sixth, however, as the Yanks posted a four-spot against the Jays bullpen. Russell Martin launched his 20th homer of the year, a three-run shot that pushed the lead to 6-1. Ichiro would single home one more run before the inning was out and the rout was on. The Yankees scored runs in the final four innings of the game as they continued to rip the Toronto bullpen. Eric Chavez rounded out the night with a two-run blast in the Yankees final at-bat.

The win keeps the Yankees one game ahead of the Orioles, who crushed the Red Sox to keep pace in the AL East. Joe Girardi will now turn to Andy Pettitte on Saturday afternoon as New York continues their push to clinch the division.