This evening as dusk envelopes the Rogers Centre in Toronto, the Yankees and the Blue Jays shall clash in the final contest of what has been a most disappointing four game series, in which the hosts have emerged victorious from each of the three games they have thus far concluded.

As the result of this stellar performance the two franchises are locked in a mutually equivalent embrace atop the American League East. When this series commenced the Yankees were in sole possession of first place, though the caliber of play that was reflected in the record they had compiled in the month of June was lackluster and embodied a mediocrity that was bereft of both substantial run production as well as the lack of emotional intensity.

The Blue Jays however, have since the inception of June and in fact prior to that time frame have been amassing victories at a most impressive velocity.

However, in the three most recent athletic conflicts they have performed with an almost satanic ferocity and resolve and have subdued their guests from New York with both outbursts of prodigious scoring and a resilience that has been truly remarkable.

What is responsible for their exemplary athleticism? Could it be that among the many factors that influence the quality of their performance the rabid desire to punish and humiliate an organization that represents a nation whose current president has disparaged both the loyalty and the fidelity to the family of western democracies of the Canadian body politic?

Might there also be the condescending and disparaging suggestion that emanates from Mr. Trump that an ideal relationship between the United States and our neighbors to the north would be their assumption of a subordinate and demeaning status as the 51st state of our republic?

Is it possible that many Canadian citizens are enraged by dictatorial pronouncements that emanate from the Oval office regarding the draconian tariffs that will be imposed on those products that are exported to the United States from those locales and facilities over which the Maple Leaf proudly waves?

Whether the previous considerations and concerns have been operative either subliminally or in explicit consideration I would argue they have substantially influenced the remarkable effectiveness with which the Blue Jays have contended and prevailed.

However, in this final game of this series it is incumbent upon the Yankees to emerge victorious from this contest and by so doing both salvage an eventuality that in some crucial regard resurrects their self-respect and prepares them mentally as they wing their way to New York in the wee small hours of Friday morning to confront a team that is the embodiment of mediocrity and a haven for disloyalty, (yes Mr. Soto I am describing your innate character) so that the results of the three games with the Mets, the two Aarons, Boone and Judge and their superlative colleagues will administer the thrashing this organization so richly deserves as the nation luxuriates in the celebration of its 249th birthday.