Pro Sports

Pillar gets timely RBI, makes diving catch; Jays beat Yanks

Posted May 31, 2016 7:00 am

By IAN HARRISON

Toronto Blue Jays' Kevin Pillar makes a diving catch against the New York Yankees during the fourth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, May 31, 2016, in Toronto. (Mark Blinch/The Canadian Press via AP) The Associated Press

TORONTO (AP) - Kevin Pillar singled home the go-ahead run in the seventh inning and made a highlight-reel diving catch in center field to help the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Yankees 4-1 on Tuesday night for New York's fifth loss in seven games.

Justin Smoak homered and Darwin Barney hit a two-run single as the Blue Jays won for the 12th time in 16 meetings with the Yankees.

Joe Biagini (3-1) worked one inning for the win, Toronto's sixth victory in seven games.

Jesse Chavez pitched the eighth and Roberto Osuna finished for his 12th save.

With the score tied 1-all, Edwin Encarnacion doubled to begin the seventh, chasing CC Sabathia after 80 pitches and bringing Dellin Betances out of the bullpen.

Smoak struck out and Russell Martin flied out before Devon Travis walked. Pillar followed with a ground-ball single to right, scoring Encarnacion. Barney then hit a two-run single but was caught in a rundown between first and second.

Sabathia (3-4) allowed two runs and five hits in six-plus innings.

Besides their big hits, Pillar and Barney each made spectacular catches. Pillar ended the fourth with a diving grab on Austin Romine's liner to right-center. Shifted around to shallow right, shortstop Barney raced into foul territory to make a sliding catch on Carlos Beltran's foul popup in the eighth.

Blue Jays starter J.A. Happ allowed one run and four hits in six innings.

Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez was held out of the starting lineup for the second straight game.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Yankees: INF Dustin Ackley will have season-ending surgery this week to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder, manager Joe Girardi said.

Blue Jays: LHP Brett Cecil (triceps) has resumed throwing and will have his first bullpen session soon, GM Ross Atkins said. Cecil last pitched May 14 at Texas.

UP NEXT

Yankees: RHP Masahiro Tanaka (3-0, 2.89) is one of four major league pitchers to remain undefeated through 10 starts.

Blue Jays: RHP Aaron Sanchez (4-1, 3.29) has won his past three decisions and has not lost since April 22 against Oakland.

Toronto Blue Jays' Justin Smoak hits a home run against the New York Yankees during the fourth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, May 31, 2016, in Toronto. (Mark Blinch/The Canadian Press via AP) The Associated Press

New York Yankees piticher CC Sabathia catches the ball during the fourth inning of the team's baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday, May 31, 2016, in Toronto. (Mark Blinch/The Canadian Press via AP) The Associated Press

New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez watches from the dugout during the third inning of the team's baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday, May 31, 2016, in Toronto. (Mark Blinch/The Canadian Press via AP) The Associated Press

Toronto Blue Jays catcher Russell Martin gives a pat on the head to pitcher Drew Storen after he closed out their game for the win against the New York Yankees in a baseball game in Toronto on Monday, May 30, 2016. (Fred Thornhill/The Canadian Press via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT The Associated Press

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher J.A. Happ throws against the New York Yankees during the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, May 31, 2016, in Toronto. (Mark Blinch/The Canadian Press via AP) The Associated Press

New York Yankees pticher CC Sabathia winds up during the first inning of the team's baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday, May 31, 2016, in Toronto. (Mark Blinch/The Canadian Press via AP) The Associated Press

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