TORONTO (AP) — New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone saw Gleyber Torres coming to the plate with the go-ahead run in scoring position, and had one thought.
“I was thinking, ‘No one better right now,’ and he put a great swing on it,” Boone said.
Torres homered early, then hit a tiebreaking single in the ninth inning as the Yankees won their 10th straight game, beating the Toronto Blue Jays 3-2 Monday night.
“That’s a good win against a really good team,” Boone said.
It’s the longest winning streak in the majors this season, and New York’s longest since a 13-game run last Aug. 14-27.
“We’re playing really good baseball,” Yankees starter Jordan Montgomery said. “We’re doing what it takes to win, just playing good defense, situational hitting. It’s nice to win close games.”
The Yankees have won at least 17 of their first 23 games for the eighth time, and the first since 2003. New York’s 17-6 record is the best in the majors.
Giancarlo Stanton singled off Yimi Garcia (0-2) to begin the New York ninth, ending a streak of four perfect innings by Blue Jays relievers. Pinch-runner Tim Locastro stole second, but Josh Donaldson grounded out and Aaron Hicks struck out before Torres lined a single to center field.
“It’s special,” Torres said. “Every time when I do little things and help my team get a win, that’s great to me.”
Boone said Torres has the ability to succeed in pivotal situations.
“In that spot right there, that’s when Gleyber is at his best,” Boone said. “Runner out there, Garcia is a tough guy, especially against right-handed hitters. Just a great approach the other way there, and game-winner.”
Clay Holmes (2-0) pitched 1 1-3 innings for the win and Chad Green worked a perfect ninth for his first save in three…
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