Yankees Sweep Doubleheader as Escarra Hits First Home Run

BRONX, New York — The New York Yankees celebrated a successful doubleheader against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 27, 2025, sweeping both games with scores of 11-2 and 5-1 at Yankee Stadium. The day was marked not only by the wins but also by rookie J.C. Escarra hitting his first career home run.

The day began with a significant roster change as the Yankees announced that Devin Williams would be removed from his closer role. Manager Aaron Boone commented on the team’s performance, stating, “It’s not an easy thing to do. Great way to finish off a series.”

In the first game, the Yankees (17-11) recorded 12 hits. Anthony Volpe hit a home run, and they tallied five doubles. Starting pitcher Max Fried dominated the mound, allowing just one run, six hits, and two walks over six innings. “He was great,” said catcher Austin Wells, who noted that Fried settled after a shaky start.

While the Yankees surged offensively, Blue Jays starter Kevin Gausman struggled, yielding six runs and five walks in 2 2/3 innings. A key moment came in the third inning when Wells delivered a three-run double, pushing the Yankees ahead 6-1.

The Yankees maintained their momentum into Game 2. They took a 1-0 lead early thanks to Trent Grisham’s homer but allowed the Jays to tie it with Anthony Santander’s hit. However, in the sixth inning, Aaron Judge reclaimed the lead with a homer, followed by Jasson Dominguez’s two-out RBI double.

Escarra then added to the score with an RBI single and later launched a towering 415-foot homer off former Yankee Chad Green. “It felt amazing,” Escarra said, reflecting on the significance of his first home run.

Clarke Schmidt, starting for the Yankees, pitched five solid innings, giving up only one hit while striking out six, lowering his ERA from 7.45 to 5.52. Tim Hill, Mark Leiter Jr., and Fernando Cruz contributed in the late innings, with Luke Weaver closing out the game flawlessly.

Boone confirmed that Weaver would now take over main closing duties following Williams’ demotion. Williams, who has struggled this season, expressed disappointment but acknowledged the team’s decision. “I would like to be back on the mound as soon as I can,” he said.

In other news, pitcher Luis Gil has begun his throwing program after a lat strain, and the Yankees recalled Yerry de los Santos as the 27th man for the doubleheader.