The Toronto Blue Jays suffered their eighth consecutive loss, a 6-4 defeat to the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on Saturday.
The Jays managed to get back into the game with a strong seventh inning, thanks in part to Kazuma Okamoto's three-run home run, which set a new Japanese Rookie home run record with his 23rd homer of the season.
In the early going, the Jays struggled to get anything going against the Red Sox. In the first inning, Clement reached on an error to start the game, but Springer and Kirk each walked to load the bases, only for Schneider to strike out. The Jays were unable to capitalize on the opportunities, and the Red Sox took an early lead.
The Jays' pitching was also a concern, with Trey Yesavage giving up 5 hits, 3 earned runs, and 1 walk in 4 innings, while also striking out 9 batters. Yesavage struggled with two home runs allowed, but Mason Fluharty pitched a clean inning with 2 strikeouts.
The Jays' offense was led by Daulton Varsho, who had 3 hits, including a single to lead off the second inning. Vlad also had 2 hits and a walk, while Okamoto and Kirk each had 2 hits as well.
In the eighth inning, CJ Van Eyk took the mound in a tough spot, but he was unable to escape the inning unscathed. A single, pop out, and fly ball to the wall in left scored two runs, and the Red Sox took a 6-4 lead.
The Jays' final chance came in the ninth inning, but Vlad walked to start the inning, only to be followed by strikeouts from Okamoto, Springer, and Kirk.
The loss marks the eighth straight defeat for the Jays, who will look to bounce back on Sunday against the Chicago White Sox.
Source: Yahoo Sports