The American League East race just got closer, and the Toronto Blue Jays could help themselves with a big response Wednesday night against the visiting Boston Red Sox.

The Red Sox (86-71) defeated the Blue Jays (90-67) in the opener of a three-game series 4-1 on Tuesday, with Nathaniel Lowe and Carlos Narvaez each accounting for two RBIs.

The loss cut the Blue Jays' lead in the division to one game over the second-place New York Yankees, who defeated the Chicago White Sox 3-2.

The Red Sox sit in the second AL wild-card spot, one game up on the Detroit Tigers and two games over the Houston Astros, making each of their remaining games just as crucial as they are for Toronto. The Blue Jays have clinched at least a wild-card berth.

"We have five games left and a one-game cushion to try and

See Full Page