With the race for AL East supremacy as tight as it gets, with the season down to its final strokes, the Jays had their backs against the wall.

As manager John Schneider was quick to remind everyone following his team’s discouraging 7-1 loss Wednesday, the sky was not falling.

The way the Jays pitched in Thursday’s series finale, some much-needed optimism and confidence returned.

Belting two home runs in the same inning, including one with the bases loaded, added to the feel-good night, an evening the Jays simply had to seize.

Sparked by exquisite no-hit pitching through the opening six innings and aided by some sloppy Boston defence, the Jays avoided a series sweep in a 6-1 victory.

At this stage, every game is a must win, but Thursday had a particular layer of urgency.

Regardless of

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