George Springer of the Blue Jays makes a leaping catch on a ball hit by Xander Bogaerts during Toronto’s 4-1 win Saturday against the Red Sox at Fenway Park. Michael Dwyer/Associated Press
BOSTON — All-Star Alek Manoah pitched six sharp innings as the Toronto Blue Jays relied more on his arm than their bats to keep up their season-long dominance of the Red Sox, beating Boston 4-1 Saturday.
A day after Toronto set a team record for runs – and posted the most ever scored against the Red Sox – in a 28-5 romp, 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 its fourth in a row and for the eighth time in nine games. Before the game, All-Star third baseman Rafael Devers was placed on the 10-day injured list because of right hamstring inflammation.
“It’s very challenging and tough, but no one will feel sorry for you, especially the opposing team. They feel it’s a perfect situation for them,” Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts said. “We need to go out with the team and the lineup we have. We’re all here for a reason. We can play.”
Manoah (11-4) allowed seven hits and one run, on a homer by Bobby Dalbec that cleared everything in left field in the second inning. He walked none, struck out seven and lowered his ERA to 2.24.
“My competitiveness is something that I know I can control,” Manoah said. “Having that will to win and expecting nothing less is what I’m trying to do every day.”
The animated Manoah barked at the Boston bench after ending his outing with three straight strikeouts. He fanned fellow All-Star Bogaerts to start that late flourish.
“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 show up your opponent, but you couldn’t ask much more from him out of that inning.”
Jordan Romano pitched a scoreless ninth for his league-leading 21st save.
Toronto was held to seven hits a day after pounding out 29, but four of them came consecutively in the third inning against Kutter Crawford (2-3). The Blue Jays improved to 9-3 against the Red Sox this year. They’re 3 1/2 games ahead of Boston for the AL’s final wild-card spot.
After teeing off the previous night at Fenway Park, the Blue Jays pieced together a three-run third. Santiago Espinal and George Springer hit RBI singles and Alejandro Kirk had a sacrifice fly.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Blue Jays: Yusei Kikuchi (neck strain) delivered five innings of two-hit shutout 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 plotting the next course of action for a pitcher who posted a 5.12 ERA in 16 starts before getting placed on the 15-day injured list earlier this month.
Red Sox: Back spasms kept All-Star DH J.D. Martinez out of the lineup for the second straight game. “He doesn’t feel great,” Manager Alex Cora said. “Hopefully by tomorrow (Sunday) or Monday, he’ll be back in the lineup.” … Rich Hill (left knee sprain) has a bullpen session scheduled for Sunday. The lefty pitcher has been on the IL since July 2. … Cora says right-hander Matt Barnes (shoulder inflammation) was in good spirits following Friday’s rehab appearance with Triple-A Worcester. He is scheduled to throw an inning for the WooSox on Sunday. … INF/OF Kiké Hernández (hip flexor strain) was transferred to the 60-day IL. …. Second baseman Trevor Story (hand contusion) is throwing but still hasn’t swung a bat since landing on the injured list on July 16.
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