Happ shuts down Orioles as Jays move into first
TORONTO -- J.A. Happ struck out 11 in seven-plus innings, Kevin Pillar hit a pair of two-run doubles and Toronto Blue Jays moved into first place in the American League East with a 9-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday afternoon.
Devon Travis hit a solo homer and Russell Martin and Pillar each hit two-run doubles in the seven-run fifth as the Blue Jays (59-45) moved a half-game ahead of the Orioles (58-45), who have lost five in a row.
Pedro Alvarez homered for the Orioles.
Happ (14-3) held the Orioles to three hits, three walks and one run in winning his eighth straight decision. The left-hander has not lost since June 6.
Orioles starter Yovani Gallardo (3-3) allowed five hits, five walks and five runs in 4 1/3 innings. The right-hander struck out five in losing for the first time in his career against the Blue Jays. He was 5-0 against them, including a playoff win last year.
The Blue Jays loaded the bases with out in the first inning when Edwin Encarnacion singled in between walks to Josh Donaldson and Michael Saunders. Troy Tulowitzki popped out to second and Russell Martin struck out to end the threat.
Alvarez hit his 13th homer of the season on an 0-2 curveball with two outs in the second inning.
The Blue Jays scored seven runs in the fifth inning.
Travis tied the game with one out in the fifth when he hit a 3-2 fastball to left for his seventh homer of the season.
Jose Bautista and Donaldson walked and Encarnacion doubled in a run. Saunders was walked intentionally. Mychal Givens replaced Gallardo and walked Tulowitzki to force in a run. Martin and Kevin Pillar each hit two-run doubles to give Toronto a 7-1 lead.
Logan Ondrusek pitched a perfect bottom of the sixth for Baltimore.
Happ remained strong in the seventh, striking out the side.
Odrisamer Despaigne pitched the bottom of the seventh for Baltimore, giving up a walk to Saunders, a double to Martin and a two-run double to Pillar.
Happ allowed a single to J.J. Hardy to lead off the eighth and was replaced by Joe Biagini, who gave up singles to Nolan Reimold and Adam Jones to load the bases. Jonathan Schoop forced Hardy at home on a squibber to Biagini, Manny Machado flied out to center but not deep enough to produce a run and left-hander Brett Cecil came in to strike out Chris Davis to end the inning without a run.
Jesse Chavez pitched a perfect ninth for Toronto.
NOTES: Blue Jays RF Jose Bautista started the game Saturday as DH with OF Melvin Upton, obtained in a trade with the San Diego Padres on Tuesday, starting in right field. ... Toronto RHP Marco Estrada allowed five and four runs (three earned) Friday to earn the win. He has allowed five or fewer hits in 15 of his 18 starts this season. ... The Orioles are 37-16 (.698) at Camden Yards this season, the best home record in the majors. They have hit 82 home runs at home this season to lead the majors. ... Toronto RHP Aaron Sanchez (11-1, 2.72 ERA) will face Baltimore RHP Chris Tillman (14-3, 3.47 ERA) in the finale of the three-game series Sunday at Rogers Centre.