Gausman-led Blue Jays earn blowout victory, snap Red Sox's 7-game win streak

Toronto starter Kevin Gausman set the early tone in the opener of a key three-game series against the Boston Red Sox on Monday night in Toronto.

The Blue Jays' offence took care of the rest.

Gausman threw seven shutout innings — retiring the first eight batters in order — in a 7-2 victory that ended Boston's seven-game winning streak. George Springer, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Matt Chapman homered for the Blue Jays, who moved a half-game behind the second-place Red Sox in the American League East division standings.

Springer and Guerrero went deep in Toronto's three-run third inning and Chapman ended Boston starter Connor Seabold's night with a two-run shot in the fifth.

Bo Bichette and Teoscar Hernandez chipped in with two hits apiece. It was just the third loss in 14 games for Boston (42-32).

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The game kicked off an eight-game homestand for the Blue Jays (41-32) against American League East division foes.

Toronto will play a rare five-game series later in the week — including a Saturday doubleheader — against the Tampa Bay Rays, who are a half-game behind Toronto in the standings.

Springer drew a leadoff walk in the first inning and scored on a Bichette double. The ball curled into foul territory down the left-field line and took an unusual bounce off the wall padding, allowing Springer to score without a throw.

Gausman (6-6), who had lost his last three decisions, threw a season-high 110 pitches. He allowed four hits and two walks while striking out 10.

"I definitely got some calls that went my way so that helps," he said. "It was a pretty big zone."

Springer hit