Yunel Escobar got a much-needed break last week when he took three days off for the birth of his child. It's made all the difference.
Escobar hit a two-run homer, three doubles and drove in five runs as Toronto beat the New York Yankees 8-5 Wednesday, ending CC Sabathia's five years of dominance over the Blue Jays.
The light-hitting shortstop went 15 games without getting more than a single before he went on the paternity list. In the four games back, he has six for extra bases.
"At the time of the birth, he was a little frustrated with how he was perform-ing but that three-day break allowed him to relax and come back with a more positive mindset," injured slugger Jose Bautista said, translating for Escobar.
J.A. Happ (3-1) overcame a season-high five walks for the Blue Jays' second win in 10 games.
TWINS 10, MARINERS 0
MINNEAPOLIS - Samuel Deduno dominated for seven innings, Trevor Plouffe homered and had four RBIs, and the Minnesota Twins beat the Seattle Mariners 10-0.
The normally wild Deduno (5-2) struck out a career-high nine with no walks.
Seattle's Jason Vargas (13-9) allowed six runs on eight hits over 4 2 /3 innings.
