Red Sox get shut out by Blue Jays

Jul 24, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher

hands over the ball to manager

after being relieved in the fifth inning after giving up seven run to Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

The Red Sox fell to the Blue Jays 8-0 in Toronto Thursday afternoon. The loss brings the Sox to 47-55 and nine games out of first place. They’re also in sole possession of dead last in the division.

The Red Sox offense was held nearly hitless by rookie pitcher Marcus Stroman. The 23 year old righty went seven innings with only one hit allowed, two walks, and seven strikeouts. The Red Sox bats, which had seemed to come alive right after the All-Star break, went back to their lackluster ways. Brock Holt played second base and also struck out three times, not that these things are related. The only hit for Boston belonged to Shane Victorino, who singled in the top of the seventh. David Ortiz left the game early after hurting himself on a checked swing. Dustin Pedroia had the day off in hopes of coming out of his slump.

Rubby De La Rosa took the mound for the Sox but only lasted four innings. It was his shortest game of the season. He ended up responsible for six runs on nine hits. He struck out only one batter and walked two. Burke Badenhop and Felix Doubront combined for three clean innings of relief. They allowed only three hits and two walks. Edward Mujica finished the game by allowing another run on two hits and raising his ERA to 5.45 for the season.

After the Red Sox had parted ways with AJ Pierzynski and perked up after the All-Star break, the future seemed bright. But the tide can turn so quickly in baseball. Now that that Sox have lost three in a row, they are two games behind Tampa Bay.

Speaking of Tampa Bay, the Sox head to Tropicana Field to start a three-game series. On Friday Jon Lester (10-7, 2.50 ERA) is tasked with stopping the skid as he faces David Price (10-7, 3.06 ERA).