Nathan Lukes smashed a two-run home run and George Springer crossed home plate twice as the Toronto Blue Jays secured a 4-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays during Friday’s night game.
Blue Jays’ starting pitcher Shane Bieber (4-2) showcased effectiveness across five innings, helping Toronto (92-68) reduce their magic number to clinch the American League East Division title to only two.
In the fifth inning with Springer on base, Lukes delivered a decisive homer against Adrian Houser (8-5), marking his 12th home run of the season.
Despite the Rays threatening with runners in scoring position in the ninth inning, Jeff Hoffman sealed the win by retiring Yandy Diaz on a groundout, earning his 33rd save in 40 opportunities.
Toronto is currently tied with New York for the top spot in the division standings, as the Yankees triumphed over the Baltimore Orioles 8-4 in Friday’s match.
The Blue Jays will claim the East crown by securing two more wins or if the Yankees suffer two losses. They hold the tiebreaker advantage if both teams finish the regular season with the same record.
Junior Caminero and Jonathan Aranda hit consecutive solo home runs off Bieber in the second inning, with Bieber allowing five hits, two walks, and recording three strikeouts.
The Rays (77-83) have struggled, losing 14 of their last 20 games, with an announced attendance of 42,184 at the game.
Before the game, Blue Jays manager John Schneider confirmed no structural issues with Jose Berrios’s injured right elbow, with the right-hander seeking a second opinion before determining the next steps.
In a notable moment, Blue Jays shortstop Andres Gimenez displayed his defensive prowess in the sixth inning by making a sliding catch on a Josh Lowe blooper in shallow left field.
Toronto notably boasts a 52-27 home record at Rogers Centre this season, tied with the Seattle Mariners for the best home record in the American League.
Looking ahead, Blue Jays rookie right-hander Trey Yesavage (0-0, 5.00 ERA) was set to make his third big-league start on Saturday afternoon, while Joe Boyle (1-3, 4.40) was slated to start for the Rays.
