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Valenzuela's go-ahead double lifts Blue Jays past Red Sox 4-3 in series sweep
Brandon Valenzuela hit a go-ahead two-run double in the ninth inning to lead the Toronto Blue Jays to a 4-3 victory over the Boston Red Sox on Thursday, completing a three-game series sweep. The decisive hit came after a Red Sox catcher misplayed a foul popup that would have ended the inning.
Quick Facts
Who
Brandon Valenzuela
What
Blue Jays defeated Red Sox 4-3
When
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Where
Fenway Park
- Blue Jays defeated Red Sox 4-3
- Valenzuela hit go-ahead two-run double
- Wong misplayed foul popup
- Guerrero Jr. and Lukes hit home runs
- Blue Jays completed three-game sweep
Brandon Valenzuela's two-out, go-ahead double in the ninth inning off Aroldis Chapman powered the Toronto Blue Jays to a 4-3 victory over the Boston Red Sox on Thursday, completing a three-game series sweep at Fenway Park. Valenzuela's hit bounced off the Green Monster after Red Sox catcher Connor Wong misplayed a foul popup that would have been the final out of the inning. The Blue Jays have now won five of six matchups against Boston this season, demonstrating their dominance in the divisional rivalry.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Nathan Lukes contributed home runs for Toronto, powering the team's offensive effort. Trey Yesavage, the Blue Jays' starter, held Boston scoreless through six innings but allowed three runs over 7⅓ innings as the game remained tied at 3-3 entering the ninth. Tommy Nance earned the victory after recording the final two outs of the eighth inning, while Mason Fluharty recorded a perfect ninth for his first save of the season.
Chapman suffered the loss and fell to 0-2 on the season. The Red Sox's record declined to 12-25 at home and 6-17 against American League East opponents this season, highlighting their struggles both at Fenway Park and within their division.
Topics
Why This Matters
This victory demonstrates the Blue Jays' strong divisional dominance over the Red Sox, extending their winning streak to five of six matchups this season. For baseball fans tracking playoff implications, Toronto's sweep at Fenway Park signals a team performing well in high-pressure situations, while Boston's poor home record (12-25) and AL East performance (6-17) underscore their ongoing struggles that could impact playoff positioning.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 18, 2026
WireGame between Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox begins at Fenway Park
Jun 18, 2026
WireThrough six innings, Trey Yesavage has held Boston scoreless
Jun 18, 2026
WireGame remains tied 3-3 entering the ninth inning
Jun 18, 2026
WireConnor Wong misplays foul popup in ninth inning
Jun 18, 2026
WireBrandon Valenzuela hits go-ahead two-run double off Aroldis Chapman with two outs
Jun 18, 2026
WireMason Fluharty records perfect ninth inning for first save of season
Jun 18, 2026
WireBlue Jays defeat Red Sox 4-3, completing three-game sweep