Blue Jays blanked by Yankees as Romano coughs up game-winning homer in 9th inning

Austin Wells smashed a two-run homer in the ninth inning to lift the New York Yankees over the Toronto Blue Jays 2-0 on Tuesday.

Wells scored Gleyber Torres with the late blast as New York (80-77) played spoiler to Toronto's hopes of clinching a playoff spot.

Michael King struck out five but issued five walks in six innings of one-hit baseball. Jhony Brito (9-7) and Clay Holmes came out of the Yankees' bullpen.

Kevin Gausman pitched seven scoreless innings, giving up three hits and two walks but striking out five for the Blue Jays (87-70). Relievers Erik Swanson and Jordan Romano (5-7) of Markham, Ont., followed Gausman to the mound.

The Seattle Mariners sat 1 1/2 games behind Houston for the third and final wild-card berth heading into play Tuesday. Seattle hosted the Astros later that night.

Although the Yankees were already mathematically eliminated from the post-season, manager Aaron Boone promised that his team would still put in maximum effort in Toronto.

"We want to win. We respect the season," said Boone in the visitors' dugout before the game. "Obviously, the Blue Jays are right there in the playoffs but we want to put our best foot forward and be as competitive as possible and hopefully get out of here with three wins."

WATCH | Blue Jays broadcaster Dan Shulman sizes up team's playoff chances:

Toronto had an opportunity to break the game open in the third inning.

Kevin Kiermaier reached on a fielder's choice then George Springer and Bo Bichette drew back-to-back walks to load the bases. That brought Vladimir Guerrero Jr., to the plate with the bases loaded and two out.

Gausman stayed effective when the Blue Jays were on defence, striking out Austin Wells and Giancarlo Stanton before inducing a lineout from