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Blue Jays Snap Losing Streak with Win Over Red Sox
TORONTO – The Toronto Blue Jays broke their five-game losing streak with a decisive 6-1 victory against the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday, showcasing a strong performance led by Kevin Gausman and Alejandro Kirk.
In an impressive outing, Gausman pitched six solid innings, allowing just four hits and one earned run, earning his third consecutive win to improve his record to 14-11. Kirk was a key contributor to the offense, driving in three runs, while leadoff hitter Jonatan Clase made his mark with his first career home run, two singles, and a walk. Edgar Guerrero Jr. also had a notable performance, adding two hits to the team’s total of 11.
The defeat halted Boston’s momentum as they aimed for a three-game sweep and ended their four-game winning streak. Jarren Duran stood out for the Red Sox, collecting two hits and scoring the team’s only run.
Richard Fitts (0-1), who made his fourth career start for the Red Sox, managed to hold off the competition in his previous outings, where he had not surrendered an earned run. However, the Blue Jays succeeded in breaking through against him by the fourth inning, when Guerrero’s double set the stage for Kirk’s RBI double, followed by a groundout that enabled Kirk to score on Ernie Clement’s single.
The Blue Jays continued their offensive momentum in the fifth inning, highlighted by a crucial sacrifice bunt that moved runners into scoring position. Kirk capitalized on the opportunity, driving both runners home with a hit off the right-field wall. Although he was thrown out at second base, the damage was done.
Gausman Shines on the Mound
Throughout the game, Gausman stifled the Red Sox hitters, not allowing a run until the sixth inning, when Duran’s leadoff double led to Boston’s lone run courtesy of Triston Casas’ subsequent single. Gausman finished his performance with three strikeouts and three walks.
In the seventh inning, Clase added to his remarkable day by hitting a two-run home run off Red Sox reliever Josh Winckowski, further extending the lead. Guerrero recorded a bloop single later in the inning, bringing him closer to achieving 200 hits for the season.
The game, played at the Rogers Centre, drew an attendance of 27,694 and lasted two hours and 31 minutes. The roof was opened shortly prior to the game, creating an inviting atmosphere for fans.
Injury News and Coaching Changes
In more Blue Jays news, shortstop Bo Bichette was scheduled for surgery to address a fractured right middle finger sustained during practice, effectively ending his season. Manager John Schneider noted that a pin would be inserted to correct a slight displacement in the finger, with expectations for Bichette to be ready by spring training.
Moreover, coaching duties saw a shuffle during the series finale. Gil Kim, normally the field coordinator, stepped in as the first-base coach while Mark Budzinski filled in for third-base coach Carlos Febles, who underwent knee surgery.
Looking ahead, the Blue Jays will enjoy a day off before facing the Miami Marlins in their final series of the season. Meanwhile, the Red Sox will return home to prepare for a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Source
globalnews.ca