Blue Jays swept by red-hot Red Sox
BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Red Sox are rolling into Houston for their first matchup against the champion Astros since getting bounced by them last post-season.
J.D. Martinez hit a tiebreaking, two-run homer over the Green Monster and out of Fenway Park, and the Red Sox beat the Toronto Blue Jays 6-4 on Wednesday to complete a three-game sweep.
The win finished a 5-1 homestand for the AL East leaders, who own the best record in the major leagues at 39-17.
“It’s been great to be able to come in and sweep Toronto, now we’re going to be able to face a tough opponent in Houston,” Martinez said. “It’s fun to leave on this note.”
Martinez tied for the major league lead with his 18th homer, breaking a 2-2 tie in the sixth.
Eduardo Nunez had a solo homer and an RBI double and Jackie Bradley Jr. also had a run-scoring double for Boston, which has won nine of 11 and improved to 15-3 in series finales.
“We’re playing good ball right now,” Bradley said. “We look forward to going (to Houston) and trying to continue with our game plan.”
Last year, the Astros beat Boston in four games in the ALDS. Teoscar Hernandez hit a two-run homer for the Blue Jays, who have lost 13 of 17 and dropped to 2-7 against the Red Sox this season.
Toronto, which opened the season 13-6, is a season-high six games under .500 at 25-31 and will finish May without consecutive wins. “I think guys are upset. I think we have some talented players here that aren’t playing up to their capabilities,” Blue Jays outfielder Kevin Pillar said.