The Yankees (90-66) were shut out by the Toronto Blue Jays (69-87) in the opening game of a four game series on Thursday. Toronto starter Brandon Morrow was stellar in his outing going seven innings giving up only four hits and struck out three.

Ivan Nova looked good through the first two innings before allowing a two run home run in the third inning to Brett Lawrie, his 10th of the season.

Toronto struck again in the fifth off of Nova. Edwin Encarnacion drilled a two run double to center field knocking Nova out of the game. Nova went 4 2/3 gave up four runs on six hits and struck out four. The loss puts him at 12-8 for the season.

J.P. Arencibia hit a solo home run off of David Aardsma in the eighth inning. It was Arencibia’s 16th.

Three of the five Yankee hits came from Robinson Cano, the other two from Russell Martin.

The Yankees (90-66) now only lead the Baltimore Orioles (89-67) by one game in the AL East race. The Orioles will start at three game series with the Boston Red Sox on Friday.

The Yankees will play the Blue Jays again on Friday night. Hiroki Kuroda (14-11 3.34) will start for the Yankees while Chad Jenkins (0-2 4.24) will start for the Blue Jays. Pregame coverage begins at 6:30, first pitch at 7:05 right here on 104.5 The Team ESPN Radio.

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