Boston has compiled a 31-26 record against AL East opponents, and has posted at least two wins in each of their last four road series against division rivals.
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In fact, the Blue Jays have lost “only” three series to Tampa-the first series of the season was a draw, a fact that may have been lost amidst sky-high expectations and disgruntlement over the thwarting of a near-comeback win in the third game when Jose Bautista was called out at second thanks to the new slide rule.
“It’s definitely a huge honor”, Porcello said. Perez left the game with right triceps impingement. “I’m definitely very proud of that”.
INDIANS 7, TWINS 1 Cleveland ace Corey Kluber struck out 10 in seven innings, and Carlos Santana hit a three-run home run for the visiting Indians.
“David is such an integral part of this team and has been for a number of years”, Red Sox manager John Farrell said. “We know we need it and we needed to get everybody together and express whatever you need to say and let it go and come back ready. He’s pitching with average velocity but his location is tremendous”.
Starter Clay Buchholz said Ortiz is “having a hell of a going away party”. “I think we’re somewhat in awe of what David is doing in this final run”. “That’s first and foremost”.
Its no longer a matter of how many innings or starts the Blue Jays will allow Sanchez to pitch the rest of the way.
If the Red Sox have a weakness, it might be their starting pitching. Yunel Escobar hit a leadoff drive in the first inning for the Angels. Three batters later, Ramirez connected off Feldman, his 22nd.
Tillman (16-5) allowed a run and four hits after being activated before the game.
Two innings later, when Ortiz struck out in his last at-bat, he received a standing ovation from some of the fans who had become used to seeing him go deep. Now, due to the blister, the Blue Jays manager will do some more shuffling around, to give the youngster extra time to recover.
Two more Boston walks came home to score in the second inning when Jackie Bradley Jr. smoked a Sanchez offering over the left-field fence for a three-run homer.
Clay Buchholz lasted just three innings in his start, allowing five runs in a terrible third inning, which was capped off by a grand slam by Troy Tulowitzki.
“They just wanted to talk some things out”, Gibbons said. “He lives on the edges and he was just missing”. With their wins, the Orioles (77-64) and Yankees (76-65) are just two and three games back, respectively. “We had better energy than we’ve had in a while today”.
Red Sox players will wear a patch on their jerseys and caps in honor of Ortiz during all three games, and the bases will also be adorned with a special logo throughout the weekend. Toronto ranks third with 199 home runs. “I’ve seen enough of him”, Gibbons joked about Ortiz.
After a pregame players meeting provided a jolt of positive energy, J.A. Happ helped the Toronto Blue Jays to rebound. Betts easily strolled into second base with a double and Ortiz hustled around the bases to give the Red Sox a 1-0 lead.
DODGERS: Left-hander Scott Kazmir, who was pulled early from a rehab start last week, was diagnosed with thoracic spine inflammation, and no timetable was given for his return. Boston recalled LHP Henry Owens from Triple-A Pawtucket.
Martin, who said he learned about the meeting in a text from the Blue Jays’ travelling secretary, wouldn’t give any more info on what was said.
Zunino doubled off Ryan Madson (5-5) to begin the ninth and pinch runner Ben Gamel moved up on a single by Leonys Martin.
“It’s hard to say”, Gibbons said. The Redbirds managed just five hits and wasted a good outing by Luke Weaver, who tossed three-hit ball over six innings. The victory cuts Boston’s lead atop the AL East to just one game and also ended the Red Sox’s three game win streak.
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It was Upton’s 20th home run of the season, while pitcher JA Happ picked up his 18th victory of the year.
