N.Y. YANKEES 11
TORONTO 4
Canadian Russell Martin homered and Hiroki Kuroda worked five-plus effective innings as the New York Yankees maintained their hold on first place in the American League East with an 11-4 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday.
Martin, from Chelsea, Que., hit a three-run shot off reliever Jason Frasor in New York's fourrun sixth inning. It was Martin's 20th home run of the season, setting a new career high.
Nick Swisher scored twice and drove in two runs to help the Yankees (91-66) remain one game up on Baltimore.
Kuroda (15-11) gave up 10 hits but allowed just two runs.
Toronto starter Chad Jenkins (03) lasted three-plus innings in his second major-league start as the Blue Jays fell to 69-88.
Jenkins retired the first two batters he faced before giving up singles to Alex Rodriguez and Robinson Cano. Swisher followed with a two-run double to put the Yankees on the board.
New York loaded the bases in the second inning with nobody out but only managed to push a single run across. Derek Jeter grounded into a double play that scored Raul Ibanez.
The Blue Jays had several early opportunities against Kuroda but couldn't capitalize. Toronto left seven men on base over the first five innings - including six left in scoring position.
New York's Eric Chavez added some insurance runs in the ninth with a two-run homer, his 15th of the season.
The Yankees outhit the Blue Jays 13-12. Announced attendance was 25,785.
Baltimore 9 Boston 1
BALTIMORE - Chris Tillman pitched eight innings of one-hit ball, Ryan Flaherty hit his first career grand slam and the Baltimore Orioles beat the Boston Red Sox 9-1 Friday night to secure their grip on the top AL wild-card spot.
Chris Davis also homered for the Orioles, who started the day one game behind the first-place Yankees in the AL East.
Tillman (9-2) gave up a bunt single to leadoff hitter Scott Podsednik, then allowed only two walks the rest of the way in his longest outing since July 4. The right-hander retired the final 14 batters he faced, and the only run he allowed was unearned.
Troy Patton worked the ninth to complete the one-hitter.
Boston starter Aaron Cook (411) was removed in the second inning after allowing six runs, five hits and three walks.
