Blue Jays’ Streak Ends at Nine, but They Don’t Lose Any Ground

Rob Deer hit a two-run homer in the 10th inning Wednesday night as the Boston Red Sox ended Toronto’s nine-game winning streak with a 7-5 victory over the Blue Jays.

Despite losing, the Blue Jays didn’t lose any ground in the American League East race. They maintained a five-game lead over New York and 5 1/2 over Baltimore, both of whom lost.

“We didn’t expect to win the last 20 games,” said Paul Molitor. “But I guess if you’re going to lose, you might as well do it on a night when your competition loses, too.”

Despite Deer’s dramatics, the Blue Jays can clinch their third straight AL East title with a three-game sweep of their next opponent, the Yankees. The Yankees lost 5-2 to the Minnesota Twins to remain five games off the pace.

Mo Vaughn reached on first baseman John Olerud’s error before Deer hit a 1-and-2 pitch from loser Mike Timlin (4-2) to left for his 19th homer of the season.

Ken Ryan (6-2), who gave up a game-tying double to Roberto Alomar in the ninth, got the victory.

Toronto’s Paul Molitor singled in the eighth inning to reach 200 hits for the third time in his career.