Red-hot Yankees lean on long ball as Blue Jays stumble in opener of crucial series

Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Gio Urshela homered to power the New York Yankees to a 7-2 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday night in the opener of a critical three-game series.

The Yankees (90-67) moved three games up on Toronto (87-70) and extended their winning streak to seven games. Despite the loss, the Blue Jays remained one game behind the Boston Red Sox, who are clinging to the second wild-card spot.

The Red Sox, who were swept by New York last weekend, dropped a 4-2 decision to the Baltimore Orioles for their fourth straight loss. The Seattle Mariners, meanwhile, were tied with Toronto entering their game against the visiting Oakland Athletics later Tuesday night.

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A recent loosening of venue capacity restrictions in Ontario allowed for attendance at Rogers Centre — announced at 28,769 — to essentially be doubled from the stadium's previous limit.

Leadoff hitter George Springer helped boost the playoff-like atmosphere by staking the Blue Jays to a first-inning lead. He was walked by Yankees starter Jameson Taillon, stole second and scored on a Bo Bichette single.

Taillon, making his return after a three-week absence due to a right ankle tendon issue, took himself out of the game after 2 1/3 innings when he aggravated the injury. He was replaced by right-hander Michael King (1-4).