Melissa: A no-hitter into the seventh, a Vlad return, and a chance to take the series in the Bronx. That's what we're breaking down right now.
Ryan: And the Yankees are reeling after losing their starter to injury. This could get interesting.
Melissa: You're locked into the Beatline Podcast Network, and this is your Toronto Blue Jays show. I'm Melissa, and as always, my guy Ryan is here with the breakdown.
Ryan: What's up, Blue Jays nation? Let's get into it.
Melissa: Here's what's on the docket today. First, we look back at a wild one last night and what it means for this series. Then, we break down the pitching matchup for today's rubber match. And finally, we give you our keys to the game and a bold prediction.
Melissa: Let's start with last night. Dylan Cease was dealing. A no-hitter into the seventh inning. Did you see that coming?
Ryan: I mean, Cease has that kind of ceiling. When his slider is biting, he can be unhittable. The fact that he took a no-no into the seventh against that Yankees lineup? That's a statement.
Melissa: And Nathan Lukes with the go-ahead homer in the eighth. That's the difference in a 4-3 win.
Ryan: Exactly. And that's the kind of timely hitting we've been waiting for. All series, the bats have been quiet, but Lukes came through in the clutch.
Melissa: So the Blue Jays even the series at one. Today, they go for the series win. But the Yankees are banged up. Ryan Weathers left last night with forearm discomfort.
Ryan: That's a huge deal. Weathers has been solid for them all year, and losing him early in that game hurt their bullpen. Now they're scrambling for today.
Melissa: And the Yankees are already dealing with injuries to Max Fried, Jameson Taillon, Cody Bellinger, Ryan McMahon... it's a laundry list.
Ryan: It's a golden opportunity for the Blue Jays. You're facing a team that's short-handed, and you've got momentum. You've got to capitalize.
Melissa: So who gets the ball for the Blue Jays today? The rotation's been shuffled a bit.
Ryan: I'm expecting to see one of the young arms. Maybe Simeon Woods Richardson or Jose Soriano. They've both shown flashes this year, and this is a chance to prove themselves against a tough lineup.
Melissa: Simeon Woods Richardson has been solid in his starts. He's got that good changeup that keeps hitters off balance.
Ryan: Right. And Soriano has the power arm. Either way, the bullpen is going to be key. We saw Paul Sewald and Tyler Rogers get the job done last night.
Melissa: Speaking of the bullpen, that's been a concern all season. But last night, they were nails. Sewald shut the door in the ninth?
Ryan: He did. And that's what you need from your closer. But the bigger story might be the return of Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Melissa: Vlad passed his concussion tests and is expected to be back in the lineup today. That's huge for this offense.
Ryan: Huge is an understatement. He's the anchor of this lineup. And we saw what happened when he was out – the bats went cold. Having him back changes the whole dynamic.
Melissa: And he's not the only one. George Springer has been getting on base, Kazuma Okamoto has been swinging a hot bat. If Vlad slots back in and provides that protection, watch out.
Ryan: Absolutely. I mean, Okamoto has been on fire. He's got that quick bat, and he's been driving the ball to all fields. If he and Vlad can get going together, this lineup becomes dangerous.
Melissa: But there are still concerns. Andres Gimenez is day-to-day. He's been playing through something. And the outfield is banged up with Bellinger on the IL.
Ryan: Yeah, but they've got depth. Myles Straw can play center, Daz Cameron can play right. They're not going to miss a beat defensively. The question is whether they can hit enough.
Melissa: And that brings us to the Yankees. They're in second place in the AL East, but they're hurting. Spencer Jones hit that two-run homer on Friday, but they've got to be feeling the pressure.
Ryan: The Yankees are always dangerous, but their starting pitching is in shambles. They've got a bullpen game today, probably. That plays right into the Blue Jays' hands.
Melissa: So what's the key for the Blue Jays today? Get to that bullpen early, and don't let them settle in.
Ryan: Exactly. You want to work deep counts, get their starter out of the game, and then feast on their relievers. And with Vlad back, you've got the power to do that.
Melissa: Alright, so we've set the table. Now it's time for our keys to the series and a bold prediction. Ryan, what's the biggest key for the Blue Jays to take this series?
Ryan: It's simple: win the bullpen battle. The Yankees are going to use a lot of relievers today. The Blue Jays have to be patient, make them throw strikes, and then capitalize on mistakes.
Melissa: And on the flip side, the Blue Jays' bullpen has to keep doing what they did last night. No free passes, no big innings.
Ryan: Right. And they need a quality start from whoever takes the mound. If they can get through six innings with two runs or less, I like their chances.
Melissa: Now for the bold prediction. Yesterday, you predicted a 5-2 win with a Vlad homer. That didn't quite work out, but you were close on the score. What are you feeling today?
Ryan: I'm going to say the Blue Jays win 6-3, and I think Kazuma Okamoto goes deep again. He's been seeing the ball so well, and I think he's going to be the difference-maker.
Melissa: I like that. I'm going to predict that Vlad Guerrero Jr. gets a hit in his first at-bat back and the Blue Jays win it in the ninth. Maybe a walk-off? That would be sweet.
Ryan: A walk-off in the Bronx? That would be a statement. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Let's just get the win and get out of there.
Melissa: Alright, Blue Jays nation, that's our show. Quick recap: the Blue Jays even the series, Vlad is back, and they have a real shot to take the series today. We want to hear from you. Subscribe, rate, review, and share the podcast. And as always, go Blue Jays!
Ryan: Go Blue Jays! Let's get that series win!