Red Sox top Blue Jays to end four-game losing skid

TORONTO — The Toronto Blue Jays were forced to search for small victories Wednesday after dropping a 7-1 decision to the Boston Red Sox.

Starter Ross Stripling threw a season-high five innings, the team's high-leverage relievers got a much-needed break and backup infielder Gosuke Katoh doubled in the fourth inning for his first big-league hit.

There was little else to choose from as the Blue Jays had an uneventful performance after the dramatics of a walk-off win a night earlier.

Stripling, initially tabbed for a long-relief role with some occasional starts, continued his progression as he fills in for injured starter Hyun Jin Ryu.

"That was perfect," Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo said of Stripling's 84-pitch effort. "That was actually how we mapped it out. A good five innings and then Trent (Thornton) right behind him because our bullpen was thin."

Stripling struck out seven and allowed five hits and one earned run.

"I feel great," he said. "I feel like I've made the jump and built up well and feel strong about where I'm at."

The Red Sox took the lead in the sixth inning and tacked on a pair in the eighth and another deuce in the ninth to end a four-game skid.

Xander Bogaerts had four hits and scored twice while Boston starter Michael Wacha threw six strong innings to send Toronto to its second loss in eight games.

The victory came in Red Sox manager Alex Cora's return to the dugout after missing six games due to COVID-19.

"He’s been here for a while now (and) most of the guys are very comfortable with him," Bogaerts said. "His view on the game from the dugout perspective is always on point. He always kind of seems to make the right decision."

Rafael Devers and J.D. Martinez added two hits apiece as Boston outhit