Aaron Sanchez strikes out eight for first win since June 3 as Jays thump Rays
TORONTO — Slowly but surely, Aaron Sanchez is beginning to feel like his old self.
The Blue Jays right-hander tied a season high with eight strikeouts, Aledmys Diaz hit his 17th home run as part of an early offensive explosion, and Toronto avoided the sweep with a 10-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday.
Making his third start since coming off the disabled list Aug. 25, Sanchez gave up three earned runs on six hits against two walks in a 98-pitch, six-inning performance for his first win since June 3.
Diaz finished 2 for 4, adding a double, a walk and two runs scored as Toronto (63-76) built a 7-0 lead after the first inning. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Devon Travis each went 3 for 5, while Billy McKinney added his fourth homer as the Jays pounded out 16 hits.