Toronto's starting pitcher Shane Bieber pitches on Friday to the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Blue Jays maintained a grip on first place on Friday night with a 4-2 victory over the visiting Tampa Bay Rays.

Toronto has been on top of the American League East Division since July 3 and remains (marginally) ahead of the second-place Yankees.

New York beat the Baltimore Orioles and has an identical 92-68 record. When the season ends on Sunday, Toronto would win in case of a tie because it won more games between the teams this season.

Toronto can win its first division championship since 2015 – and a first-round bye in next week’s playoffs – with triumphs on Saturday and Sunday or with a win in conjunction with a Yankees loss.

Nathan Lukes hit a 399-foot, two-run home run in the fifth inning to br

See Full Page