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Final: Blue Jays 7, Red Sox 3 - Boston takes on Toronto to begin critical series, homestand
The Red Sox squandered a key chance to make up ground on the Blue Jays in the AL Wild Card race, falling 7-3 to Toronto at Fenway on Friday and dropping three games out of the final playoff spot. James Paxton struggled, giving up three home runs in the first two innings, including two in the first pitch and one to Whit Merrifield on the first pitch of the game. Boston allowed a season-high five home runs. It was Boston's eighth-straight loss at Fenway when coming off a road trip.
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WHO: Red Sox (57-51) vs. Blue Jays (60-50)
WHEN: 7:10 p.m.
WHERE: Fenway Park
SERIES TO DATE: Red Sox lead season series, 7-0
STARTING PITCHERS: LHP James Paxton (6-2, 3.34) vs. RHP Alek Manoah (2-8, 5.87)
TV/RADIO: NESN, WEEI-FM 93.7
LINEUPS
RED SOX
1. Jarren Duran LF
2. Alex Verdugo RF
3. Masataka Yoshida DH
4. Rafael Devers 3B
5. Adam Duvall CF
6. Triston Casas 1B
7. Connor Wong C
8. Luis Urias 2B
9. Yu Chang SS
SP James Paxton
BLUE JAYS
1. Whit Merrifield LF
2. George Springer RF
3. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 1B
4. Danny Jansen C
5. Alejandro Kirk DH
6. Matt Chapman 3B
7. Davis Schneider 2B
8. Paul DeJong SS
9. Dalton Varsho CF
SP Alek Manoah
WHAT'S UP
The Red Sox recalled utility infielder Luis Urias, acquired via trade this week. Christian Arroyo has been designated for assignment to clear room for Urias, who will make his debut for Boston.
RHP prospect Noah Song is back in the Red Sox system after the Phillies DFA'd him. As a result, his rights transferred back to Boston. Song, 26, was originally a fourth round pick in 2019 out of Navy after his stock dropped over concerns of his military obligations. Philadelphia took him in the Rule 5 draft this past December before he received clearance from the Navy to join the organization in February. He began a rehab stint in June after back tightness. Song had a 1.93 ERA in 4.2 innings in Single-A, but since has an 11.37 ERA in 6.1 innings between Double and Triple-A ball.
Boston begins a 10-game homestand with a three-game set against the Jays. The Sox are 7-0 against Toronto this season, sweeping each of their previous two series. The Sox sit 2.0 games behind the Blue Jays for the third Wild Card spot.
Paxton will make his 12th career start against the Jays. He is 6-3 with a 3.98 ERA in the previous 11. Went 7.2 innings, allowing three hits and two walks with seven strikeouts on June 30 in Toronto. Last time out, Paxton went five innings in a 3-2 loss at the Giants on Saturday, allowing eight hits, one run and two walks with five strikeouts.
Manoah has made seven starts against the Sox. He is 4-1 with 1.71 ERA. On May 3, he gave up five runs, two earned runs and eight hits over five innings in an 8-3 Red Sox win. Manoah had a 6.36 ERA in his first 13 starts, leading to a demotion to the minors. He has a 4.34 ERA in four starts since returning in July. Went 4.1 innings, allowing four hits, one run and three walks with six Ks in a 6-1 win against the Angels last time out.