A home run contest at the expense of the Jays

UPDATE DAY

Even though Fenway Park is a normally tough place to hit home runs, the Boston Red Sox showed they were comfortable at home by hitting four in a 7-0 win. 6 over the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday night. 

Connor Wong has been veritable poison for the visitors' pitchers. The catcher already had two hits on his record when he expelled Zach Pop's offering just beyond the red line on the “green monster.” After consultation, officials ruled the shot valid, but Wong didn't want to risk it.

In his next at bat, in the eighth inning, the 26-year-old stretched his arms again to score the winning run, this time past Erik Swanson (1-1). Christian Arroyo and Masataka Yoshida also took balls out of bounds against starter Yusei Kikuchi.

Trailing 3-0, the Jays put all their eggs in one basket by driving in six runs in the fifth inning. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. led by example with a single payout, then a Wong error at the plate tied the score. Daulton Varsho ended that productive turn at bat by clearing the trails with a homer.

In the standings, Boston (17-14) edged close to third in the 'East of the American League held by Toronto (18-12) after its two consecutive victories. The two teams will meet on Wednesday and Thursday.

A duel at the top

In St. Petersburg, the Tampa Bay Rays won the first game of a series at the top against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The home team was as solid offensively as it was defensively, securing a 4-1 victory.

Everything seems to be working for the Rays (24-6), who have the best record in major league baseball. Even against tough opponents like the Pirates (20-10), the crowd favorites allowed themselves a bit of fantasy.

In the fifth inning, Wander Franco went to first base at the assist with a single and Jose Siri was on third. After a throw from Roansy Contreras (3-2), the first stole second base, while the second rushed to the plate. This game, no doubt meticulously planned by the two accomplices, made the difference in this meeting.

Harold Ramirez took care of the rest with a long solo ball and a single to score Randy Arozarena.

The Rays used a committee of relievers for this duel and it was Colin Poche (3-0) who was credited with the win after going one inning in the fifth.