Ricky Romero, taking the Bronx by storm

Ricky Romero pitches, the Jays win — it’s simple as that. Toronto escaped the Bronx with a win this afternoon — 7-6 over the Yankees — their third in 10 games, all three of which were won by the rookie left-hander. Romero went six-and-one-third, giving up three runs and striking out five while improving his record to 7-3.

Romero didn’t surrender a run until Eric Hinske’s fifth inning solo shot, which ended his club rookie record of 24 consecutive scoreless innings. Meanwhile, some tryhard shortstop in Colorado that was so famously passed up for Romero is hitting a ripe .248. Not to rag on Troy Tulowitzki, but Romero is really beginning to look like the real deal and I’m loving every minute of it.

Scott Rolen extended his hitting streak to 23 games with a seventh inning double and power-hitting infielder Johnny McDonald blasted his ninth career homer for the Jays, who improved to 43-41 and avoided falling to .500 for the first time since Opening Day. The negative, as usual, was the work of the esteemed bullpen, which turned a 7-1 lead (Romero left with two on in the seventh) into a one-run final. Nevertheless, a relieving finish to a hellish series. Next, the Jays head to Tampa Bay to face the Rays, fresh off a three-game sweep in Texas.