Yankees Blanked By Blue Jays, Division Lead Trimmed

Brandon Morrow and two relievers combined on a five-hitter, pitching the Toronto Blue Jays to a 6-0 victory over New York on Thursday night that trimmed the Yankees' tight lead in the AL East.

Edwin Encarnacion had three hits and three RBIs for Toronto. Brett Lawrie hit a two-run homer and J.P. Arencibia added a solo shot as the Blue Jays handed an assist to idle Baltimore, shaving New York's division lead over the Orioles to one game.

New York lost for the third time in five games and wasted a chance to go two up with six to play.

Making his third start since missing 14 games with a sore right shoulder, Yankees right-hander Ivan Nova (12-8) allowed four runs and six hits in 4 2-3 innings. He walked two and struck out four.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)