[Nick Soulis]

Series #109



2001 New York Yankees
Record: 95-65
Finish: Lost in WS
Manager: Joe Torre
Ball Park: Yankee Stadium
WAR Leader: Mike Mussina (7.1)
Franchise Record: 10-2
Hall of Famers: (3)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/NYY/2001.shtml

1979 Toronto Blue Jays
Record: 53-109
Finish: 7th in AL East
Manager: Roy Hartsfield
Ball Park: Exhibition Stadium
WAR Leader: Tom Underwood (3.5)
Franchise Record: 2-0
Hall of Famers: (0)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/TOR/1979.shtml
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Easy Street For Torre's Yankees
New York Scorches Jays For 40 Runs In Sweep



Game 1
At Yankee Stadium
1979 Toronto Blue Jays 5
2001 New York Yankees 7
WP: M. Mussina (1-0) LP: D. Stieb (0-1) S: M. Rivera (1)
HR: A. Soriano (1), T. Martinez (1)
POG: Mike Mussina (7 IP, 9 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, 116 P)
2001 Yankees Lead Series 1-0

In the opening game of Series #109, the 2001 New York Yankees secured a 7-5 victory over the 1979 Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium, giving them a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven showdown. Yankees ace Mike Mussina delivered a solid performance, pitching seven innings and allowing three runs while striking out six. Despite an early 2-0 deficit, the Yankees rallied in the third inning with a crucial two-run single by David Justice off Toronto's Dave Stieb. Alfonso Soriano and Tino Martinez added to the Yankees' lead with home runs in the fourth and fifth innings, respectively. Mariano Rivera closed out the game, earning the save despite allowing two unearned runs in the ninth. The series continues tomorrow at Yankee Stadium, where the Yankees will aim to build on their momentum.

Game 2
At Yankee Stadium
1979 Toronto Blue Jays 6
2001 New York Yankees 8
WP: T. Williams (1-0) LP: T. Buskey (0-1)
HR: S. Brosius (1), A. Soriano (2), B. Willians (1), T. Martinez (2)
POG: Scott Brosius (2-3, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R)
2001 Yankees Lead Series 2-0

In a thrilling Game 2 of Series #109, the 2001 New York Yankees staged a dramatic comeback to defeat the 1979 Toronto Blue Jays 8-6 at Yankee Stadium, taking a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Despite trailing 6-0 entering the bottom of the eighth, the Yankees erupted with six runs to tie the game, highlighted by back-to-back home runs from Scott Brosius and Alfonso Soriano. In the ninth inning, Bernie Williams sealed the victory with a two-run walk-off homer off Tom Buskey, sending the Yankees faithful into a frenzy. The Blue Jays had built an early lead with contributions from Alfredo Griffin and Rick Bosetti, but their bullpen faltered under pressure. The series now shifts to Toronto's Exhibition Stadium for Game 3, where the Blue Jays will look to bounce back.

Game 3
At Exhibition Stadium
2001 New York Yankees 10
1979 Toronto Blue Jays 0
WP: R. Clemens (1-0) LP: J. Clancy (0-1)
HR: D. Jeter (1), D. Justice (1), J. Posada (1)
POG: Roger Clemens (8.1 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, 115 P
2001 Yankees Lead Series 3-0

The 2001 New York Yankees dominated Game 3 of their best-of-seven series against the 1979 Toronto Blue Jays, cruising to a 10-0 victory at Exhibition Stadium. Yankees' ace Roger Clemens delivered a masterful performance, pitching 8.1 innings of shutout baseball and allowing just four hits while striking out three. The Yankees' offense erupted, with home runs from Jorge Posada, David Justice, and Derek Jeter highlighting a relentless attack that saw them score in four consecutive innings. The Blue Jays struggled to mount any offense against Clemens, managing only four hits and leaving six runners on base. With this win, the Yankees took a commanding 3-0 series lead, putting them one game away from a series sweep. Toronto's manager, Jim Smith, remained defiant, insisting his team would continue to fight despite the daunting odds. The series continues tomorrow at Exhibition Stadium, where the Yankees will look to close out the series.

Game 4
At Exhibition Stadium
2001 New York Yankees 15
1979 Toronto Blue Jays 3
WP: O. Hernandez (1-0) LP: D. Lemanczyk (0-1)
HR: P. O'Neill (1), A. Soriano (3), B. Williams (2)
POG: Alfonso Soriano (3-5, HR, 3 RBI, 3 R)

In a commanding performance, the 2001 New York Yankees swept the 1979 Toronto Blue Jays, clinching the Field of Dreams Series #109 with a decisive 15-3 victory in Game 4 at Exhibition Stadium. The Yankees set the tone early, scoring in seven of the nine innings, including a seven-run third inning that effectively put the game out of reach. Alfonso Soriano led the charge, earning MVP honors with a standout performance, going 3-for-5 with a home run and three RBIs. The Yankees' offense was relentless, with significant contributions from Bernie Williams, who hit a two-run homer, and Paul O'Neill, who added four RBIs. Orlando Hernandez pitched eight strong innings, allowing three runs on eight hits, while Toronto's pitching staff struggled, with starter Dave Lemanczyk shouldering the loss. Despite a brief three-run surge by the Blue Jays in the second inning, highlighted by a two-RBI triple from Roy Howell, they were unable to overcome the Yankees' offensive onslaught.

2001 New York Yankees Win Series 4 Games To 0


Series MVP:

(.412, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 2 SB, 8 R, 1.000 SLG)