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Rays rip Jays for playoff spot

Austin Meadows' three-run homer highlighted Tampa Bay's six-run third inning Wednesday afternoon, securing a playoff berth for the Rays in a 7-1 drubbing of the Toronto Blue Jays in St. Petersburg, Fla.

After losing Tuesday despite being issued 11 walks and a hit batter, the Rays (94-59) erupted by batting around against Toronto for the third time this season.

The lefty-hitting Meadows struck the big blow. Yandy Diaz (sacrifice fly) and Taylor Walls (two-run single) brought home tallies as Tampa Bay sent 10 men to the plate, setting the groundwork for its 11th win in 19 games against its Canadian rival.

The victory sent the American League East-leading Rays to their third consecutive postseason.

The Blue Jays (85-67) got a 2-for-3 showing, with a double, walk and a run from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. but managed only four hits.

Both benches emptied without incident in the eighth after Toronto's Ryan Borucki hit Kevin Kiermaier in the middle of the back with a 93-mile-perhour pitch.

Kiermaier became the centre of attention Monday after collecting and keeping a loose Toronto data card following a slide at home plate.

Borucki and Toronto pitching coach Pete Walker were ejected during the onfield delay.

SPORTS

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2021-09-23T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-09-23T07:00:00.0000000Z

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