TORONTO - Francisco Liriano combined with three relievers on a six-hit shutout as the Toronto Blue Jays blanked the Boston Red Sox 3-0 on Wednesday night at Rogers Centre.
Liriano allowed four hits and a walk over 5 1/3 innings for his first win of the season. Reliever Joe Biagini retired all five batters he faced before Jason Grilli and Roberto Osuna tossed an inning apiece.
Rick Porcello absorbed the loss for the Red Sox. Boston (9-6), which entered play in a virtual tie for first place in the American League East, had its four-game win streak come to an end.
Kevin Pillar had three hits for the Blue Jays, who improved to 3-11. The teams will play the rubber match of the three-game series Thursday afternoon.
The Boston defence stumbled in the second inning and it proved costly.
Third baseman Pablo Sandoval was high with a throw to first, allowing Troy Tulowitzki to reach base. Russell Martin followed with a chopper that was misplayed by first baseman Mitch Moreland.
