ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) – David Price had a three-run lead before he even took the mound at Angel Stadium, and it was more than he needed to keep the Toronto Blue Jays rocketing up the AL standings.
Price struck out nine during eight innings of six-hit ball, and Josh Donaldson drove in three runs in the Blue Jays’ 9-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Friday night.
Justin Smoak hit a two-run homer and Ben Revere had four hits for the Blue Jays, who opened a weekend meeting of the AL wild card leaders with their 17th victory in 21 games.
Price (12-4) was better than he needed to be while picking up his third victory in four starts for the Blue Jays, who acquired the former Cy Young winner for the pennant race. After his teammates batted around in a 30-minute, three-run rally in the top half of the first, Price didn’t allow a hit until the fifth inning.
“I was prepared to sit in there for an hour,” Price said of the opening frame. “To get a three-run lead before you throw your first pitch, that’s great.”