BOSTON (AP) — All-Star shortstop Alec Manoa pitched six sharp innings as the Toronto Blue Jays relied more on his arm than their bats to maintain their season-long dominance of the Red Sox, beating Boston 4-1 on Saturday.
A day after Toronto set a team record for runs — and posted the most hits against the Red Sox — in a 28-5 game, Manoa 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 for the eighth time in nine games. Red Sox fans, however, were sure to get a standing ovation on Sunday when former player David Ortiz was inducted into the Hall of Fame — many of whom headed to Cooperstown, New York, to see Big Papi honored.
“It’s very challenging and difficult, but nobody will feel sorry for you, especially the opposing team. They think it’s a perfect situation for them,” Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts said. “We have to come out with the team and the squad we have. We are all here for a reason. We can play.”
Manoa (11-4) allowed one run, on Bobby Dahlbeck’s homer to left field in the second, and seven hits. He walked none, struck out seven and lowered his ERA to 2.24.
“My competitiveness is something I know I can control,” Manoa said. “Having that will to win and expecting nothing less is what I try to do every day.”
A lively Manoa barked at the Boston bench after ending his game with three straight hits. He torched fellow All-Star Bogaerts to start that late bloomer.
“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 your opponent, but you can’t ask for much more from him than this inning.”
Jordan Romano recorded a scoreless ninth for his league-leading 21st save.
Toronto had seven hits on the day after striking out 29 and improved to 9-3 against the Red Sox this year. The Blue Jays are 3 1/2 games ahead of Boston for the final AL wild card spot.
Toronto put together a three-run third off rookie Cutter Crawford (2-3). Santiago Espinal and George Springer hit RBI singles and Alejandro Kirk had a sacrifice bunt.
DAVERS OUT
The Red Sox placed All-Star third baseman Rafael Devers on the 10-day disabled list because of right tendonitis, making the move a day after his early exit in the fifth inning.
TRAINING ROOM
Blue Jays: Yusei Kikuchi (neck strain) pitched five innings with two hits in a rehab start for Triple-A Buffalo on Friday. The left-hander finished with four hits and three walks while throwing 43 of his 77 pitches. Interim manager John Schneider said the next 72 hours will be key before charting the next course of action for a pitcher who posted a 5.12 ERA in 16 starts before being placed on the 15-day disabled list earlier this month .
Red Sox: Back spasms keep JD Martinez out of All-Star DH lineup for second straight game. “He’s not feeling great,” manager Alex Cora said. “Hopefully by tomorrow (Sunday) or Monday he’ll be back in the lineup.” … Rich Hill (sprained left knee) has a bullpen session scheduled for Sunday. The left-handed pitcher has been with Illinois since July 2. … Cora says RHP Matt Barnes (shoulder inflammation) was in good spirits after Friday’s rehab game with Worcester. He should pitch an inning for the WooSox on Sunday. … INF/OF Kiké Hernández (hip flexor strain) was transferred to the 60-day IL. …. 2B Trevor Storey (bruised right hand) is throwing but has yet to swing a bat since landing on the injured list July 16.
NEXT
Blue Jays: Ross Stripling (5-3, 3.03) will look to continue to build on what was a strong July. The right-hander posted a 2.70 ERA in his previous three starts this month.
Red Sox: Top pitching prospect Brian Bello (0-1, 10.13 ERA) made his third start Sunday. The 23-year-old is still looking for his first MLB win and will look to get into the fifth inning, something he didn’t do in each of his first two starts with Boston.
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