Game #40 Boston Red Sox (27-12) @ Toronto Blue Jays (21-19) - game recap

Andrew Benintendi was 3-5 at the plate with 2 RBI and a run scored as the Red Sox defeated the Blue Jays 5-2. 

The Blue Jays came into this one looking to beat old friend and teammate David Price. The win was also important to keep pace with the surging NY Yankees who came into Saturday's game on an 18-4 run. The Blue Jays have to keep pace with the Yankees and Red Sox if they want to contend for a Wild Card spot. Here is today's game recap.

Game Highlights:

• The Red Sox opened the scoring on an Andrew Benintendi ground rule double that scored Mookie Betts
• The next batter Hanley Ramirez hit a 2 run HR to plate Benintendi
• The Blue Jays got on the board in the bottom of the 4th as Anthony Alford singled home Kevin Pillar
• The Red Sox extended the lead in the top of the 6th as Rafael Devers to score Xander Bogaerts
• Justin Smoak led off the bottom half of the inning with a solo HR
• David Price pitching line: 5.1 IP 5H 2R (both earned) 3BB 6K 93 pitches (55 for strikes)
• Marco Estrada pitching line: 6IP 7H 4R (all earned) 1BB 5K 103 pitches (73 for strikes)
• Benintendi singled home Betts for an insurance run in the top of the 9th
• Craig Kimbrel notched his 11th save of the season
• Final score: Red Sox 5 Blue Jays 2

My Take:

• It was good that Marco Estrada got through 6 innings today. The Red Sox got to him in the 3rd inning with a pair of doubles and a HR for 3 runs. Estrada did a good job in keeping the Red Sox line up off balance with his change up. 
• Yesterday Josh Dionaldson struck out 4 times. Today Luke Maile struck out 4 times
• It was the top of the Red Sox line up that killed the Blue Jays today. Hanley Ramirez, Mookie Betts and Andrew Benintendi combined for 7 hits and 4 runs.
• Russell Martin continues to play good defense at third base. If only he could get his bat going...
• Up next, the Blue Jays and Red Sox wrap up this three game series with Joe Biagini pitching against Red Sox lefty Drew Pomeranz.