Yanks Feel Big Hurt in Canada
The surging New York Yankees were excited to get to Boston this weekend for a showdown with the archrival Red Sox, and Frank Thomas made sure they didnt have to wait any longer than necessary. The Big Hurt delivered a walk-off RBI single for Toronto in the bottom of the ninth inning to [lift the Blue Jays to a 2-1 victory], preventing extra innings and ensuring the Yankees winning streak halted at seven.
New York pitcher Ian Kennedy stymied the Toronto lineup with seven strong innings of one-hit baseball in just his second Major League start, but even he confessed he was looking ahead to the trip to Boston. I think I was looking more forward to that than pitching tonight, Kennedy said. When I got here, I was already like, I cant wait to get to Boston. I just want to take in the atmosphere.
The loss dropped New York five-and one-half games behind Boston in the AL East and [reduced their Wild Card lead] to just three-and-one-half games. But the Yankees [swept the Sox](http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20516565/) in the Bronx just two weeks ago, and another three-game sweep this weekend would give the Pinstripers a legitimate shot at the division title. You can never think sweep going into Boston; theyre too good of a team, said Johnny Damon (pictured), who homered for the Yankees only run Thursday. But we would not mind. We would love it.