Diaz's 3-run homer sparks Rays in lopsided win over Blue Jays

Yandy Diaz had a three-run homer in the second inning and the Tampa Bay Rays never looked back in a 11-0 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday afternoon.

Rene Pinto had an RBI single as part of Tampa's four-run second. Isaac Paredes added a solo home run in the seventh and drove in another run during a rally in the ninth.

Shane McClanahan (12-5) pitched five scoreless innings, allowing only three hits and striking out five. JT Chargois, Jason Adam, Javy Guerra and Kevin Herget closed out the game for Tampa (80-63).

Bo Bichette had two hits, including a double, and a stolen base for Toronto (81-63).

Although Toronto won the five-game series with the Rays 3-2, Thursday's loss cut the Blue Jays' lead over Tampa in the American League's wild-card race to a half game. The Seattle Mariners hold the other wild-card berth.

Toronto welcomes the division-rival Orioles to Rogers Centre on Friday for a three-game series. Baltimore is chasing the Blue Jays, Rays, and Mariners for a wild-card spot.

Bichette was honoured in a pre-game on-field presentation as the Blue Jays' nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award. The award is given to the "best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual's contribution to his team.

We're proud to honour Bo Bichette as this year's Roberto Clemente Award nominee