Springer’s 3-run homer in 8th rallies Jays past Sox

TORONTO — Former Uconn star George Springer hit a go-ahead three-run home run in the eighth inning as the Toronto Blue Jays rallied from a five-run deficit to beat the Boston Red Sox 9-8 on Sunday.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. added a two-run drive to help the Blue Jays finish 9-2 on their first homestand in Canada since September 2019. Guerrero’s homer was his 35th.

The Blue Jays returned home July 30 and swept a three-game series against Kansas City before

Mariners snap Yankees’ five-game winning streak. Page 4

winning three of four against both Cleveland and Boston.

J.D. Martinez had four hits and three RBIS in his return to the

Boston lineup after being reinstated from the COVID-19 list. Kevin Plawecki had three hits and three RBIS, but the bullpen couldn’t hold on for the Red Sox.

Rafael Dolis (2-3) pitched 1 ½ innings for the win, and Jordan

Inside

Romano finished for his 10th save in 11 chances.

Despite ending a 15-game streak in which they failed to score more than five runs in a game, the struggling Red Sox lost for the ninth time in their past 11.

Red Sox closer Matt Barnes (6-4) replaced Adam Ottavino with Boston leading 8-6 with two outs in the eighth and a runner on. No. 9 hitter Reese Mcguire drew a nine-pitch walk before Springer delighted the crowd of 14,766 with his 14th homer.

Boston manager Alex Cora said bench coach Will Venable, who tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday, will have to remain in Toronto for a minimum of 14 days before he can cross the border. First base coach Tom Goodwin, who was a close contact of Venable, will have to remain for four or five days depending on his test results. OF Jarren Duran also was activated off the COVID-19 and started in left.

The Red Sox are off Monday LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (8-6, 5.33) is scheduled to start Tuesday as the Red Sox return home to begin a three-game series against the Rays.