BLUE JAYS STAVE OFF ELIMINATION

TORONTO – The Blue Jays’ offence broke out of a slump, Aaron Sanchez pitched six strong innings and the Blue Jays beat the Cleveland Indians 5-1 Tuesday to stay alive in the American League Championship Series.

The Blue Jays cut Cleveland’s lead in the best-of-seven series to 3-1, with Game 5 set for Wednesday at Rogers Centre (2:08 pm Sask Time).

Josh Donaldson opened the scoring with a solo home run in the third inning to give the Blue Jays their first lead of the series.

Ezequiel Carerra’s RBI single in the fourth increased Toronto’s lead to 2-0, but Cleveland got a run back on an RBI double by Roberto Perez in the top of the fifth.

Edwin Encarnacion gave the Jays some much needed insurance with a two-run single in the bottom of the seventh. Kevin Pillar capped the scoring with a sac fly in the eighth.

Sanchez gave up one run on just two hits and struck out five in his first career ALCS start.

(The Canadian Press)