Porcello wins 20th; Red Sox 2 up on Jays

TORONTO — The Red Sox staked their claim to first place in the American League East by soundly outplaying the Blue Jays in almost every facet of the game during their highly anticipated series opener on Friday night.

Right-hander Rick Porcello became the Majors’ first 20-game winner this season by limiting Toronto to a pair of runs while striking out seven over seven innings during Boston’s 13-3 victory. He scattered six hits and walked just one as the Red Sox increased their lead atop the division to two games over the second-place Blue Jays.

Xander Bogaerts and Hanley Ramirez each homered while Brock Holt hit one of Boston’s four doubles and every member of the starting lineup reached base at least once.Dustin Pedroia had three hits and four RBIs from the leadoff spot. Boston scored at least once in each of the first four innings and in the seventh it broke the game open with six runs.

Blue Jays right-hander Marco Estrada could not pitch his way out of the third inning after being roughed up for the fourth time in his last five outings. Estrada allowed four runs — three earned — on six hits and three walks. Estrada, who allowed three earned runs or fewer in 18 of his first 20 starts, has allowed five or more in four of his last five starts while posting a 7.71 ERA.

Melvin Upton Jr. and Devon Travis each committed an error as the Blue Jays also experienced plenty of issues on defense throughout the night. Dioner Navarro was charged with a passed ball and Michael Saunders …

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