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Chacin, Blue Jays top Red Sox once again

Sep 24, 2006 - 8:51 PM TORONTO (Ticker) -- It was not pretty, but Gustavo Chacin remained perfect against the Boston Red Sox.

Chacin threw five solid innings and Lyle Overbay homered and drove in three runs as the Toronto Blue Jays posted a 13-4 victory over the Red Sox in the third game of a four-game series.

Vernon Wells and Alex Rios also drove in three runs each for the Blue Jays (82-73), who pulled within one-half game of the Red Sox (83-73) for second place in the American League East. Toronto has finished no better than third in the division since winning its second World Series title in 1993.

"I think if we could take second place, that would be huge for us," Chacin said.

One of the reasons for the chance to overtake the Red Sox is Chacin (9-3), who captured his fourth win in as many starts against Boston this season.

Improving to 5-0 in seven career outings against the Red Sox, Chacin overcame some shaky moments to allow just three runs and six hits. It was the third straight win for the 25-year-old lefthander, who missed more than two months this season with an elbow strain.

"I just tried to do my job and do the best that I can," Chacin said. "I was struggling with my mechanics in the first couple of innings, but we scored a lot of runs."

Despite Chacin's shortest outing in nearly a month, the lineup picked up the pitcher, tying a season high with nine extra-base hits.

"We came out swinging today," Toronto manager John Gibbons said. "It wasn't an easy game. We got behind early, but our bats came to life with some big, big hits. It was a good ballgame."

Overbay had three, including his 21st homer in the second inning to cut the Blue Jays' deficit to 2-1. The first baseman also had a pair of RBI doubles, including one that capped a four-run sixth for an 8-3 lead.

"Everthing went our way today and the hitting was contagious," said Overbay, who extended his hitting streak to a season-high 14 games. "We got into situations where we matched up pretty good. We took advantage of the pitches that they were giving us."

Wells had an RBI double in the third, a run-scoring single in the sixth and a sacrifice fly in a five-run seventh to drive in his 500th career run.

"It's good number to have, but it's not anywhere where I want to finish," said Wells, who stands eighth on the Blue Jays' all-time RBI list, 18 shy of Ernie Whitt. "I just hope this team continues to battle and finish up strong. Hopefully, we end up in second place."

Troy Glaus also had a two-run single in the seventh, reaching 100 RBI in a season for the first time since 2002.

Despite Toronto's offensive output, it was Boston's David Ortiz who had the most significant hit. His homer in the first inning was the 53rd of the season and 32nd on the road, tying the American League record set by Babe Ruth in 1927.

"I think it's something that makes you feel good," Ortiz said. "Having your name out there with guys like Babe Ruth, guys that did everything in the game. It's an honor to be attached to those guys."

Red Sox starter Kyle Snyder (4-5) gave up four runs and seven hits in three innings.

Overall, it was a tough day for Boston pitching, which had four of its six pitchers give up at least two runs.

Alex Gonzalez had two hits, including an RBI double in the second, as the Red Sox lost for the fourth time in their last six games.