Ray’s pitching, Grichuk’s hitting lead Jays over Sox

BOSTON — Robbie Ray pitched six strong innings, Randal Grichuk homered and drove in three runs and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Boston Red Sox, 4-1, on Wednesday afternoon in the first game of a Major League Baseball doubleheader.

George Springer also homered as the Blue Jays topped the American League East leaders a day after a rainout at Fenway Park forced the twin bill.

Ray (9-5) gave up one run on five hits, striking out eight. Jordan Romano earned his eighth save with a perfect seventh inning.

Grichuk hit his 19th homer, a tiebreaking, two-run drive in the fourth off Garrett Richards (6-6). The drive landed into the first row of the bleachers in straightaway centre field, and Springer led off the fifth with his ninth homer.

Boston scored in the first when a single by Rafael Devers set up an RBI grounder by J.D. Martinez.

Bo Bichette walked in the second, stole second and later scored on Grichuk’s single back to the mound that Richards couldn’t contain.

Richards went four innings, allowing four runs on four hits with one walk and two strikeouts. It was his first loss in five starts since June 23.

Trainer’s room

Blue Jays: OF Corey Dickerson, out with a left foot contusion, began a rehab assignment Wednesday with Triple-A Buffalo, going 2 for 4 with a double, scoring a run and driving in one against Worcester. It’s not clear how many rehab games he will get before being activated. “We’ll see how he feels, how many at-bats he needs,” Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo said. … While Toronto remains hopeful RHP Julian Merryweather, out since April 14 with a left oblique strain, could return this season, that is uncertain. “Right now, he’s not close,” Montoyo said.

Up next

Boston RHP Tanner Houck (0-2, 2.50 ERA) was scheduled to start the second game of the doubleheader, making his first career appearance against the Blue Jays. He will be opposed by Toronto LHP Steven Matz (8-5, 4.34), who will be making his third start of the season against the Red Sox, winning his only other start in Boston.