Blue Jays Are Getting Wild

Jose Canseco hit a three-run homer and Shawn Green had four hits, including a home run for the Blue Jays, who won their eighth consecutive game, routing the Boston Red Sox, 12-1, Friday night.

After winning the first two games of the four-game series, the Blue Jays are within seven games of the Red Sox, the American League wild-card leader. Toronto, half a game behind Texas, would pull within five games with a sweep.

“It’s the first time in the four years that I’ve been here that we’re in a race, and if we can win these next couple games then we’re right there,” Green said. “We got Roger Clemens going [today], and Chris Carpenter going the next day, so hopefully we’ll put on a show.”

Green capped his night with an eighth-inning homer. It made him the first Toronto player ever with 30 homers and steals (32).

Pat Hentgen (12-10), who missed his previous start because of tendinitis in his right shoulder, gave up one run and four hits in 6 1/3 innings. Dave Stieb pitched 2 1/3 innings for his second save of the season and third of his career.

Tim Wakefield (15-7) was pounded for eight runs--six earned--and eight hits in 6 1/3 innings, and Boston lost for the sixth time in nine games.