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Sox Comeback Too Little, Too Late: Gausman Too Much to Overcome

April 21

Right off the bat, the Sox receive news that manager Alex Cora has tested positive and must quarantine away from the team. Bench coach Will Venable will fill in as manager here and when the team travels down to Florida for the weekend series against the Rays. Houck pitches for the Sox against Gausman as the homestand concludes. This is the first time Trevor Story has led off in three years, according to sportswriter Alex Speier. The Jays put two on with one out in the top of the third so Bichette can single into right and bring in a run to open up the scoring at 1-0 Toronto. Then Tapia scores on a sacrifice fly by Guerrero to make it 2-0. Bichette steals second right after that, but a fly out ends the inning. Guerrero doubles to right with one out in the top of the sixth. A walk puts two on with two out later, and Guerrero scores to make it 3-0 when Vázquez loses the ball in the sun. This is scored as an infield single, after which the Sox change pitchers. The runners do not score.

A runner is at second with one out in the bottom of the frame, but the Sox strand him. The Blue Jays put runners at the corners with two out in the top of the seventh before a fly out ends the inning. Kevin Gausman pitches with striking efficiency. He is pulled after giving up a leadoff hit in the ninth. I feel bad about that. I kind of wanted to see him go the distance. What an effort! The next man walks to put two on before Bogaerts doubles to left to put Boston on the board at last at 3-1. Devers scores on a Verdugo groundout to make it 3-2 as the Sox look alive, but the comeback falls short as the next two men get put out and the Blue Jays hold on for a 3-2 victory.