Red Sox score three runs in 10th inning, hang on for win over Blue Jays

TORONTO — The Boston Red Sox scored three runs in the 10th inning and hung on for a 6-5 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday night to avoid a three-game sweep.

Boston took advantage of an ineffective appearance from reliever David Phelps (0-2), who issued two walks before hitting a batter to bring automatic runner Jackie Bradley Jr., home with the go-ahead run.

Alex Verdugo later tacked on a two-run double off Tim Mayza to help Boston (43-33) win for the eighth time in 10 games.

Matt Strahm (3-2) gave up two runs in the bottom of the 10th before getting George Springer on a flyout with runners in scoring position to complete the victory. Santiago Espinal and Cavan Biggio drove in a run apiece earlier in the frame.

Verdugo also homered and Franchy Cordero had four hits for the Red Sox, who moved a half-game up on third-place Toronto with the victory. Springer hit a solo shot for the Blue Jays (42-33).

After starting a rally with a pinch-hit single in a walkoff victory a night earlier, Toronto catcher Alejandro Kirk helped get the offence going again in the series finale.

He drew a leadoff walk from Boston starter Nick Pivetta in the second inning and moved to second on a Raimel Tapia single. Espinal drove in Kirk with the game's opening run.

Blue Jays starter Alek Manoah retired the first six batters in order before giving up a bunt single to Cordero with the shift on in the third inning.

The Toronto ace threw his glove at the ball as it rolled up the third-base line but it didn't make contact. If it had, Cordero could have been awarded three bases under Major League Baseball rules.

Cordero was soon on third base anyway. He stole second and took an extra bag on Kirk's wild throw before scoring on a Rob