Blue Jays on verge of playoff spot after thumping Rays
CBC
If the Toronto Blue Jays continue with the well-rounded attack that led them to an 11-4 win over Tampa Bay on Friday, they'll be a tough out in the playoffs.
All they have to do now is formally book their post-season ticket.
Toronto can lock down a wild-card berth with another win over the Rays on Saturday. The Texas Rangers failed to do it for them by losing 8-0 to the Seattle Mariners later Friday night.
With the odds firmly in the Blue Jays' favour, it appears to be just a matter of time.
"This is what we can do," said Toronto manager John Schneider. "Everyone talks about our pitching and our defence. But this lineup can score some runs.
"Hopefully we can continue to roll."
Alejandro Kirk, Brandon Belt and Matt Chapman homered for the Blue Jays, who outhit the Rays 16-7.
Bo Bichette had four hits and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. chipped in with three as Toronto (89-71) won for the ninth time in 13 games.
"Timely hitting is a good thing," Schneider said. "If you're doing that with guys on base and you're hitting home runs, it's a really good thing."
Yandy Diaz was a bright spot for the Rays (97-63), who have already secured the first wild-card berth and No. 4 seed in the American League. He hit a two-run homer and reached base three times.
The East champion Baltimore Orioles have clinched the top seed in the AL and the Central champion Minnesota Twins will be seeded third.
The Rangers have a one-game lead on Houston in the race for the West Division crown and second seed. The Astros, who beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 2-1 on Friday, are in the third wild-card spot, one game behind Toronto and one game ahead of Seattle.
Several standings outcomes and potential playoff matchups remained in place entering the season's final weekend.
The Rays started most of their regulars in front of a sellout crowd of 42,394 even though the three-game series is essentially a playoff tune-up.
