Blue Jays break franchise record for runs in 28-5 thrashing of Red Sox

The Blue Jays' 28 runs against the Red Sox shattered the previous franchise mark of 24 runs, which was set in 1978 against Baltimore.

Lourdes Gurriel Jr. broke the record with a two-run double in the top of the fifth inning, giving the Blue Jays a 25-3 lead.

All nine Blue Jays starters finished with multiple hits on Friday night. 

Gurriel Jr. helped lead the Blue Jays' offensive onslaught, going 6-for-7 with six RBI and three runs.

At the top of the order, Raimel Tapia finished 3-for-7 with six RBI, including an inside-the-park grand slam in the third inning. 

Backstop Danny Jansen went 3-for-6, with a home run, six RBI and four runs scored.  

Not to be lost in the shuffle, Blue Jays starter Kevin Gausman pitched five strong innings, allowing three earned runs off seven hits while striking out 10 Red Sox. 

The Blue Jays kicked off the second half of the season with a bang, but they have work to do if they hope to stay in the playoff mix. 

With a 51-43 record, the Blue Jays trail the first-place New York Yankees by 12 games in the AL East but are very much alive in the wild-card race. 

The Blue Jays currently hold a 2.5-game advantage over the Cleveland Guardians for the third and final wild-card spot. Although the Red Sox (48-46), Orioles (46-47) and White Sox (46-47) all trail by 4.5 games or fewer.