Ben Rice hits two-run single to cap 3-run sixth as Yankees pull away for 8-3 victory over Blue Jays

NEW YORK (AP) — Ben Rice hit a bases-loaded single to score two runs and cap a three-run sixth inning, and the New York Yankees pulled away for an 8-3 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday.

The Yankees knocked out Toronto starter José Soriano (10-7) by opening the sixth with three straight singles, including a bunt by Jazz Chisholm Jr. that loaded the bases. After Braydon Fisher got the first two outs, Trent Grisham took a 3-2 slider that was low and inside for a go-ahead walk.

Rice also reached a full count against left-hander Mason Fluharty and lined a slider to right field for a 5-2 lead.

Chisholm added a two-run homer in the seventh and Grisham homered in the eighth as the Yankees earned a win by at least five runs for the third time since the All-Star break.

Rookie Spencer Jones had an RBI double in the second and also made a diving catch in right field on Alejandro Kirk’s sinking liner in the sixth. Austin Wells added an RBI double in the second as the Yankees won for the sixth time in seven games.

New York finished with double-digit hits for the third time in five games after getting no-hit for 6 2/3 innings on Saturday by Dylan Cease.

New York starter Carlos Rodón allowed two runs – one earned -- and two hits in four innings. Still on a pitch count in his second start off the injured list, the left-hander threw 76 pitches, including 12 more after a fielding error by rookie shortstop George Lombard Jr. in the fourth on Ernie Clement’s grounder.

Paul Blackburn (5-2) pitched two innings for the win.

Rookie Brett Bateman and Daz Cameron lifted sacrifice flies for Toronto. Kirk added an RBI single in the eighth.

Soriano allowed five runs and seven hits in five-plus innings. The right-hander struck out seven and walked three.

Blue Jays: Hosts Kansas City in the opener of a three-game series on Tuesday.

Yankees: RHP Will Warren (8-6, 4.43) opens a three-game series against visiting Houston on Tuesday.

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