The Toronto Blue Jays were able to put their difficulties aside to get back on track and open their series against the Boston Red Sox with a 3-0 victory Friday night at the Rogers Center.
The Queen City team was in dire need of celebration after experiencing perhaps the worst series in its history. The Texas Rangers, direct opponents in the American League standings, have defeated them four times in a row. Toronto was never in the lead, being dominated by a total score of 35 to 9 in front of its fans.
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The Blue Jays (81-67) certainly took a step toward reconciliation with their fans by shutting out the Sox. It wasn’t entirely convincing on offense though, with just four hits.
All their points were also scored on the same brilliant shot, the 23rd long ball of the season from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. His shot barely cleared the left field fence, but it was enough.
Jose Berrios (11-10) got the job done on the mound with five hits allowed and eight strikeouts in seven innings. His relievers Jordan Hicks and Jordan Romano (35th save) remained perfect after his departure.
This gain, however, does not allow the Jays to put themselves back in the playoff picture. The Seattle Mariners (81-65) and the Rangers (82-64) were still ahead of them before the other games of the evening.