Blue Jays Hit Five Homers to Overcome Reds and Boost AL East Lead

The Toronto Blue Jays rallied from a five-run deficit to defeat the Cincinnati Reds 13-9, highlighted by hitting five home runs in a three-inning span, tying their season high for homers in a game. Key players George Springer, Daulton Varsho, Alejandro Kirk, Addison Barger, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. contributed home runs, with Springer initiating the comeback with his 27th homer of the season. Starter Shane Bieber earned the win despite allowing five runs early but settled down, while Reds pitcher Zack Littell struggled, giving up four homers and leading the majors in home runs allowed this season. The Blue Jays scored 29 runs over the three-game series, boosting their AL East division lead and shrinking their magic number to clinch the title to 20, as the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox trail by 3.5 games. Toronto, currently tied with the Detroit Tigers for the best AL record, aims for its first division title since 2015 and hopes to replicate the success of its early 1990s championship teams. The Blue Jays now prepare for a crucial weekend series against the Yankees starting Friday, with Kevin Gausman scheduled to pitch the opener.