Encarnacion back in Blue Jays’ lineup

Kevin Pillar made a highlight-reel, full-extension diving catch in centre field in the eighth inning that was worthy of a standing ovation from the crowd of 34,847 and his teammates in the home dugout. That was the end of Price’s night.

After that, John Gibbons took the ball from David Price and handed it to Aaron Sanchez. Kemp also had a two-run homer in the first, a single in the third and an RBI double in the seventh. It didn’t work out. “Those trades they make, I think those were key trades they make“.

“It was a tough decision, no question about it”, Gibbons said of sending Price out for the eighth.

The New York Mets’ seven-game home winning run was snapped as they went down 3-2 against Pittsburgh. And right now in the aftershock, it’s clear that what’s left of the AL East race is going to be all sorts of fun instead of a one-sided romp.

Hamilton’s sixth homer of the season was a 437-foot blast to right-center field in the second inning for a 2-1 lead.

“The fans are insane now, and rightfully so”, said Miller, who finally threw another slider past a swinging Tulowitzki to end the game.

“That was two of the better players in the league, ” McCann said of the Miller-Tulowitzki skirmish. That’s what people want to see, pay to see. By turns, they were edgy and elated, roaring one minute and catching their breath in their throats the next, willing him to do their bidding and raining raucous affection upon him when he obliged. It was the Yankees’ first go-ahead pinch homer in the eighth inning or later of a road game since Don Mattingly did it against the then-California Angels in 1994. The Blue Jays had held them scoreless for 33 consecutive innings before Headley’s double.

Astros 5, Tigers 1: Dallas Keuchel struck out eight in seven solid innings and Jed Lowrie powered the offense with a two-RBI double to lead Houston to a win over Detroit. Donaldson over-ran third base, but eluded the tag as he dove back in. If the Yankees can get a lead to the eighth inning, it’s pretty much over. And yes, this is also the same David Price who has a shot at a second Cy Young in four years. He’s 4 for 17 with two homers against Blue Jays starter Marco Estrada (10-6, 3.21 ERA), who looks to get Toronto back on track, win his fourth straight start and outpitch Masahiro Tanaka (8-5, 3.79) for the second time in six days.

The Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees both have their sights set on the playoffs as the final stretch of the season begins.

Beltran ended that drought with swift authority and reminded everybody in the stadium that the race for the division title has many miles yet to run.

“I think I’ve fist bumped more strangers than I’ve ever fist bumped in my life”, said pitcher R.A. Dickey before Thursday’s game with the Oakland Athletics.

“We knew those guys were going to be ready to play tonight and they snuck it in late”, said Price. He lists the three key moves as swapping Cecil for Osuna at closer, moving Sanchez to the ‘pen and bringing in Hawkins and Lowe. “I was focused on going deep in the game”. Blue Jays relievers hadn’t allowed a run since the ninth inning of an August. 2 win over Kansas City.