Blue Jays beat Red Sox 6-4, move closer to Wild Card

The Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Boston Red Sox 6-4 on Wednesday night, securing their third consecutive victory and moving within 1.5 games of the final American League Wild Card spot. The win, powered by a five-run eighth inning, extended Boston's losing streak to five games.

The game was tied 1-1 heading into the bottom of the eighth inning. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Alejandro Kirk led off with singles against Red Sox reliever Tyron Guerrero. Boston first baseman Willson Contreras then dropped a routine foul popup from Kazuma Okamoto, extending the at-bat. Okamoto capitalized by lining an RBI single to left field, scoring Guerrero Jr. to give Toronto a 2-1 lead. After an intentional walk to Andrés Giménez loaded the bases, Ernie Clement drew a walk to force in another run. Pinch-hitter George Springer followed with a sacrifice fly, and Myles Straw delivered a two-run double to left field, extending the lead to 6-1.

Boston scored three runs in the ninth inning, but Louis Varland entered with one out and runners on base to secure his 26th save. Tyler Rogers was credited with the win in relief.

The Red Sox had tied the game in the fifth inning on a solo home run by Contreras,...