The Toronto Blue Jays suffered a setback in their pursuit of the American League East Division title as they fell 7-1 to the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday.
In a disappointing performance, Blue Jays’ pitcher Max Scherzer struggled early, giving up three runs in the first inning and later allowing a solo home run to Masataka Yoshida. The Red Sox extended their lead with a three-run homer by Carlos Narvaez off reliever Jose Berrios in the eighth inning.
Meanwhile, Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet put on a dominant display, holding the Blue Jays to just three hits over eight shutout innings, silencing the crowd at Rogers Centre.
Despite a late solo home run by Isiah Kiner-Falefa for Toronto, the Blue Jays were outmatched by the Red Sox, who out hit them 12-4.
Toronto’s chances of clinching their first division title since 2015 were dented as their lead over New York was reduced to a half-game. The Yankees, who played against the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday night, are closely trailing the Blue Jays in the division race.
With a record of 90-68, the Blue Jays have already secured a playoff spot, holding the tiebreaker advantage over New York. However, their recent form has been concerning, having lost six of their last seven games.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., a key player for the Blue Jays, was ejected in the seventh inning for disputing a strike call, adding to the team’s frustrations. Toronto hitting coach David Popkins was also ejected from the game.
Boston, with a record of 87-71, currently holds the second of three wild-card spots in the AL and has been in good form, winning six of their last nine games.