Boston’s left-handed pitcher Payton Tolle delivered a stellar performance, allowing only two hits in eight innings, while Caleb Durbin’s grand slam in the eighth inning powered the Red Sox to a 7-0 victory over the Blue Jays on Thursday. Durbin’s 12th home run of the season, off Toronto’s Chase Lee, helped Boston secure a win in the four-game series.

Despite the loss, the Blue Jays have won 11 out of their last 17 games, moving closer to the American League’s final wild-card spot. The series against the Red Sox marked a positive start to Toronto’s upcoming matchups against the New York Yankees and the AL-leading Tampa Bay Rays.

Boston’s victory was supported by Tolle’s impressive performance, extending their winning streak in his last seven starts. Tolle pitched a strong game, allowing only two hits while recording four strikeouts and two walks.

Max Scherzer achieved a milestone, becoming the 139th pitcher in MLB history to reach 3,000 career innings. However, Scherzer, despite his accomplishment, expressed disappointment in the loss, emphasizing his focus on winning every game.

Scherzer faced challenges early in the season due to various injuries, including an inflamed ankle, back spasms, and forearm tendinitis. Despite these setbacks, Scherzer persevered and continued pitching until sidelined in late April, as well as in June and July.

The Red Sox took an early lead in the game, scoring in the first inning and adding two more runs in the ninth inning. The series highlighted the Blue Jays’ performance as Andres Gimenez’s hit streak was snapped, and the Red Sox recorded their most losses in the 2026 season series against Toronto.

Key moments in the game included the Red Sox loading the bases in the fourth inning, only for Scherzer to end the threat with a crucial out. Despite a recent losing streak, the Red Sox have the best record in MLB since the trade deadline, showcasing their strong performance.

The upcoming series will feature Toronto’s Shane Bieber facing off against New York Yankees’ Gerrit Cole in a three-game weekend set at home.