The Blue Jays beat the Yankees 8-5 on July 4, 2025, to complete a 4-game sweep. George Springer's two homers helped Toronto take sole possession of first place.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
What a night in the Bronx! The Toronto Blue Jays didn't just win; they made a statement. With an emphatic 8-5 victory on Thursday, they completed a dominant four-game sweep of the New York Yankees, snatching sole possession of first place in the AL East. For the first time since 2016, the Jays are looking down at the rest of the division this deep into the season, and it feels incredible.
George Springer has been on another planet, going 8-for-12 with four homers and 11 RBIs in his last three games.
The series finale was a microcosm of the Jays' newfound dominance. George Springer was the star of the show, launching two massive two-run home runs that electrified the Toronto dugout. Not to be outdone, rookie Addison Barger continued his impressive campaign with three hits, including a solo shot of his own. On the mound, Chris Bassitt was a workhorse, battling through 5 2/3 innings and striking out nine Yankees to earn the win. When things got tight, Jeff Hoffman came in to shut the door, recording his 21st save and officially bringing out the brooms in New York.
Let's take a moment to appreciate the heater George Springer is on. His two homers tonight were his 14th and 15th of the season, but it's his performance over this series that has been truly legendary. In the last three games alone, Springer is an unbelievable 8-for-12 with four home runs and 11 RBIs. He's not just hitting; he's carrying the offense and setting the tone every single night. When your leadoff hitter is this locked in, the entire team feeds off that energy. This isn't just a hot streak; it's a superstar reminding the league what he's capable of.
This sweep wasn't just about bragging rights; it was about the standings. The Blue Jays now stand at 49-38, alone at the top of the American League East. Think about that. For the first time since September 5, 2016, Toronto is in first place in July. This is a monumental moment for a team that has been building towards this. While the players celebrated, the front office continued to make moves, activating the reliable Yimi García from the IL to bolster the bullpen. It's a clear signal: the team is all-in on this race. While Aaron Judge was busy tying a team record for intentional walks—a clear sign of respect for his power—the Jays were busy taking the division lead.
This was more than a series win; it was a declaration of intent. Sweeping the Yankees in their own ballpark to take first place is the kind of momentum-shifting event that can define a season. But the work is far from over. The challenge now is to build on this, to prove that this is the new standard for the 2025 Blue Jays. Enjoy the fireworks tonight, Jays fans. This team just provided plenty of their own. The division race is on, and Toronto is officially in the driver's seat.
