BOSTON (AP) – All-Star Alek Manoah pitched six sharp innings as the Toronto Blue Jays relied more on his arm than his bats to maintain a season-long dominance of the Red Sox, defeating Boston on Saturday by 4-1.
A day after Toronto set a team record for runs, scoring the most runs ever against the Red Sox, in a 28-5 rout, Manoah set the tone.
“When he’s on the mound, we know we have a chance to win,” Toronto interim manager John Schneider said. “It’s easy to get up for a game when he’s on the mound.”
Boston lost for the eighth time in nine games. However, Red Sox fans were sure to cheer on Sunday when former shortstop David Ortiz was inducted into the Hall of Fame, with many heading to Cooperstown, New York, to see Big daddy
“It’s very challenging and tough, but no one will feel sorry for you, especially the opposing team. They think it’s a perfect situation for them,” Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts said. “We’ve got to come out with the team and the lineup we’ve got. We’re all here for a reason. We can play.”
Manoah (11-4) allowed one run, on a Bobby Dalbec homer that cleared it all to left field in the second, and seven hits. He walked none, struck out seven and dropped his ERA to 2.24.
“My competitiveness is something I know I can control,” Manoah said. “Having that will to win and expecting nothing less is what I try to do every day.”
An excited Manoah barked at the Boston bench after ending his outing with three straight strikeouts. He blew out fellow All-Star Bogaerts to start that late bloomer.
“He’s an emotional guy and that’s what makes him elite, the way he competes,” Schneider said. “Just make sure your emotions don’t get the best of you and it shows your opponent, but you couldn’t ask for much more from that inning.”
Jordan Romano pitched a scoreless ninth for his league-leading 21st save.
Toronto had seven hits on the day after striking out 29 and improved to 9-3 against the Red Sox this year. The Blue Jays are 3 1/2 games ahead of Boston for the final AL wild card spot.
Toronto put together a three-run third off rookie Kutter Crawford (2-3). Santiago Espinal and George Springer hit RBI singles and Alejandro Kirk had a sacrifice fly.
HOMEWORK OUT
The Red Sox placed All-Star third baseman Rafael Devers on the 10-day disabled list with right hamstring inflammation, making the move a day after his early start in the fifth inning.
TRAINERS’ ROOM
Blue Jays: Yusei Kikuchi (neck strain) delivered five innings of two-hit ball in a rehab start for Triple-A Buffalo on Friday. The lefty finished with four strikeouts and three walks while throwing 43 of his 77 pitches for strikes. Interim manager John Schneider said the next 72 hours will be key before charting the next course of action for a pitcher who posted a 5.12 ERA in 16 starts before being placed in the 15-day disabled list earlier this month.
Red Sox: Back spasms kept All-Star DH JD Martinez out of the lineup for the second straight game. “It doesn’t feel great,” coach Alex Cora said. “Hopefully tomorrow (Sunday) or Monday, I’ll be back in the lineup.” … Rich Hill (sprained left knee) has a bullpen session scheduled for Sunday. The left-handed pitcher has been in IL since July 2nd. … Cora says RHP Matt Barnes (shoulder inflammation) was in good spirits after Friday’s rehab appearance with Worcester. He is scheduled to pitch for the WooSox on Sunday. … INF/OF Kiké Hernandez (hip flexor strain) was transferred to the 60-day IL. …. 2B Trevor Story (bruised right hand) is pitching but has yet to throw an at-bat since landing on the injured list on July 16.
UNTIL THE NEXT
Blue Jays: Ross Stripling (5-3, 3.03) will look to continue building on what has been a strong July. The right-hander has posted a 2.70 ERA in his previous three games this month.
Red Sox: Top pitcher Brayan Bello (0-1, 10.13 ERA) makes his third start Sunday. The 23-year-old is still looking for his first MLB win and will look to pitch into the fifth inning, something he failed to do in each of his first two starts with Boston.
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