Toronto @ Boston preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 11, 2018 ) Toronto 2, Boston 7

The Boston Red Sox have clinched a playoff spot and now will try to reach the 100-win mark for the fourth time in franchise history when they host the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday in the second contest of a three-game series. With ace Chris Sale throwing a scoreless inning in his return from shoulder issues and Brock Holt slugging a three-run homer, the Red Sox picked up a 7-2 win in the series opener to become the first team in the majors to clinch a spot in the postseason.

The Red Sox are 13-4 against the Blue Jays, including 7-1 at home, and own a commanding nine-game lead over the New York Yankees in the American League East. David Price gets the start Wednesday for Boston as he looks to improve upon some stellar career numbers against the Blue Jays (20-3, 2.52 ERA). He will face a lineup that managed just five hits and one walk against Sale and seven relievers as Toronto fell for the ninth time in its last 11 road games. Right-hander Aaron Sanchez starts for the Blue Jays as he tries to finish another injury-plagued campaign on a good note.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, Sportsnet, TVA Sports (Toronto), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Aaron Sanchez (4-5, 5.17 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH David Price (14-6, 3.57)

Sanchez recorded his first quality start in nearly three months when he gave up three runs in six innings to defeat Tampa Bay last Wednesday. He struck out eight in the outing to tie a season high while picking up his first win since June 3. The one-time All-Star was reached for seven runs in five innings in his last Fenway Park start and is 3-2 with a 4.35 ERA in his career at Boston.

Price bounced back from a rare bad start to limit the Houston Astros to two runs while fanning 10 in 6 1/3 innings on Friday. The bullpen lost Price's lead in that game and the Red Sox lost a start made by the left-hander for the first time since July 1. Devon Travis is 7-for-16 in his career against Price, who owns a 3.08 ERA at Fenway this year.

WALK-OFFS

1. Red Sox RF Mookie Betts has scored six runs in his last four games.

2. Blue Jays IF Lourdes Gurriel Jr. has three doubles, four singles and four walks over his last six games.

3. Boston has scored at least five runs in each of its last 13 games against Toronto.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 6, Blue Jays 3