Anthony Gose’s big night puts Jays on verge of sweeping BoSox

Boston, MA, United States (4E Sports) – The Toronto Blue Jays will be aiming for a sweep of the Red Sox thanks to huge night by Anthony Gose, who drove in five runs, including a three-run blasts in a 9-2 trouncing of Boston Saturday at Fenway Park.

The suddenly-inspired Jays have won three straight overall.

Gose, recalled on Sept. 4 when major league rosters expanded, and the Triple-A season ended, went 2-for-4, driving in five runs and a stolen base in the middle test of this three-game set.

In the top of the ninth, Gose hit his first career home run off Boston reliever Andrew Bailey which hiked the margin to 9-2.

Yunel Escobar also hit a solo home run, his ninth of the season. Escobar’s leadoff homer sparked Toronto’s five-run second inning, which saw Adeiny Hechavarria, Gose and Rajai Davis each adding an RBI off Red Sox starter Daisuke Matsuzaka.

Brad Lincoln (1-0), who came in to pitch when play resumed after the second rain delay of the game in the fifth in relief of starter Aaron Laffey, worked 2 1-3 scoreless innings for his first win with Jays since being acquired from Pittsburgh in July. Laffey allowed four hits and two runs over 4 2-3 frames.

Toronto’s five-run second chased Matsuzaka (1-5), who was making his second appearance against the Jays this season. The Japanese righty lasted just 1 1-3 innings after getting charged with five runs on five hits.

Pedro Ciriaco and Scott Podsednik drove in runs in the loss, the third straight for the reeling Red Sox.

Boston has dropped 10 of 11, and is 10-26 since Aug. 1.

With the win the Blue Jays (63-75, 29-41 away) overtook the Red Sox and move out of the AL East cellar.

Carlos Villanueva (7-5, 3.42), who beat the Red Sox on July 21 for his fifth victory of 2012, will lead the Jays in completing a three-game sweep Sunday afternoon. Villanueva is 2-1 lifetime against the Red Sox with a 4.50 ERA.

A series finale victory would mark the first time the Blue Jays have captured all six straight games at Fenway since 1989.

Boston (63-77, 32-40 home) will counter with right-hander Clay Buchholz (11-5, 4.47), who is 8-3 in 13 career meetings versus Toronto, with a 2.55 ERA.

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