Blue Jays on verge of playoff spot after thumping Rays

The Toronto Blue Jays moved closer to securing a playoff berth Friday night with an 11-4 victory over the visiting Tampa Bay Rays at Rogers Centre.

Alejandro Kirk, Brandon Belt and Matt Chapman homered for the Blue Jays, who outhit the Rays 16-7. Bo Bichette had four hits and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. chipped in with three as Toronto (89-71) won for the ninth time in 13 games.

Yandy Diaz was a bright spot for the Rays (97-63), who have already secured the first wild-card berth and No. 4 seed in the American League. He hit a two-run homer and reached base three times.

The win strengthened the Blue Jays' grip on the second wild-card spot. It also trimmed their magic number to one over the Seattle Mariners, who were set to host Texas later in the evening.

Hear that?<br><br>That's NEXT LEVEL LOUD