(Toronto) Jarren Duran hit a two-run homer and Masataka Yoshida added a solo homer in the sixth inning as the Boston Red Sox beat the Toronto Blue Jays 5-0 on Friday night.
Justin Turner’s homer opened the scoring as the Red Sox (41-42) snapped a five-game losing streak. He added another run with a sacrifice fly in the eighth inning.
James Paxton (4-1) was superb for the Red Sox, striking out seven in seven and two-thirds innings without a run conceded. He allowed just three hits before giving way to relievers Chris Martin and Kaleb Ort.
José Berríos (8-6) allowed four runs on five hits despite eight strikeouts and no walks in six innings of work for the Blue Jays (45-38).
“I can’t explain it,” said Berríos, the Blue Jays starting pitcher. I don’t think “oh, we’re playing against a divisional team”, but I think we’re going to play a Major League Baseball game tonight and we have to give 100%. »
Relievers Trent Thornton and Mitch White came after Berríos, giving up one run over three innings.
The Blue Jays have lost all five games to the Red Sox so far this season.
“There comes a time when you have to look at who you’re playing against and tell yourself that those games are more important,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said. It’s not about putting pressure on guys or trying harder or anything like that.
“But there’s a point, and we’re probably there, where it’s really important to win this series. »
The Blue Jays have a winning record against every division of Major League Baseball this season except their own.
“It was a great series in Boston. I had a great time,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said. They can shoot, they can score points, they stole a lot of goals from us. They are dangerous. »
The Red Sox had six left-handed hitters in their lineup to start against right-handed Berríos. This scheme was not immediately effective against him as he struck out four batters in the first four innings.
