TORONTO – George Springer put his team ahead with a three-run homer in the eighth and the Blue Jays rallied five against to defeat the Boston Red Sox 9-8 on Sunday.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a two-run homer to help the Blue Jays finish 9-2 in their first batch of games in Canada since September 2019. The home run was Guerrero’s 35th.
The Blue Jays returned to their hometown on July 30 and won the series 3-0 sweep against Kansas City before triumphing in three of four games against Cleveland and Boston.
JD Martinez had four hits and three RBIs upon his return to the Boston lineup after he was on the COVID-19 list. Kevin Plawecki finished with three hits and three RBIs, but the relievers failed to defend the Red Sox lead.
Rafael Dolis (2-3) worked a 1/3 inning for the win and Jordan Romano posted his 10th save in 11 chances.
Despite ending a 15-game streak without scoring more than five runs each, the Red Sox are struggling and suffered their ninth loss in 11 games.
Red Sox closer Matt Barnes (6-4) replaced Adam Ottavino when Boston led 8-6 with two outs in the eighth and a runner on board. The ninth batter, Reese McGuire, walked after nine pitches and Springer delighted the 14,766 fans in the stadium with his 14th homer.
For the Red Sox, Enrique Hernandez 5-1, one scored, one produced. Rafael Devers 4-2, two runs scored. The Venezuelan Marwin González 1-0. The Panamanian Jonathan Araúz 4-0. Puerto Rican Christian Vázquez 1-0.
For the Blue Jays, the Dominicans Teoscar Hernández 4-3, two RBIs, and Santiago Espinal 4-0. Cuban Lourdes Gurriel Jr. 4-0. Venezuelan Breyvic Valera 4-2, one scored.
.