Porcello first in Majors to 20 victories

TORONTO — Rick Porcello had just won his 20th game, a marvelous accomplishment for any pitcher, let alone one who had never had more than 15 victories in a season.

But there were some other numbers attached to the milestone that better display not only the season Porcello is having, but how much he can impact the Red Sox down the stretch.

While leading the Red Sox to a 13-3 win over the Blue Jays on Friday night, Porcello (20-3, 3.21 ERA) went seven innings while allowing two runs.

That made it nine straight starts of seven-plus innings and three earned runs or fewer for Porcello, who is 7-1 with a 2.53 ERA over that run that has vaulted Boston to a two-game lead over Toronto in the American League East.

It is by far the longest such streak in the Majors this season. Clayton Kershaw and Max Scherzer have come the closest, going at least seven frames while giving up three earned runs or fewer six straight times.

The last Red Sox pitcher to record the feat was Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez, who did it in 11 straight starts in 2000, when he was at his peak as a pitcher.

“That’s what I’m trying to do, to pitch deep in the games and be consistent,” said Porcello. “I think the biggest thing is throwing strikes. With our offense, if I can pitch deep into games and keep the score reasonable, we’re going to win a lot of ballgames.”

It is the 12th time this season the Red Sox have scored eight or more runs in a Porcello start. Perhaps this …

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