Blue Jays Vs. Red Sox Final Score: Jays Get To Struggling John Lackey, Hold On For 9-7 Win

The Toronto Blue Jays jumped out to a 7-0 lead against Boston Red Sox starter John Lackey, then nearly blew that huge lead before hanging on to win 9-7 on Monday at Fenway Park.

Lackey allowed all seven early runs, including a solo homer by Aaron Hill over the Green Monster in the second inning and a two-run double by Travis Snider in a four-run third, then left after 2.1 innings with his ERA for the season now at 7.47. Lackey has allowed four or more runs in six of his last eight starts.

The Red Sox narrowed the lead to 7-4 in the fifth inning, though, as Brandon Morrow allowed a two-run triple by Jacoby Ellsbury, a bases-loaded walk by Dustin Pedroia, and an RBI double by Adrian Gonzalez. The Jays got insurance runs in the seventh and eighth, which turned out to be important, because the Sox scored three runs in the eighth, highlighted by a two-run triple by Jarrod Saltalamacchia. The Jays' Frank Francisco allowed Ellsbury to reach base to start the ninth, but ultimately struck out the side to end the threat and record the save.

The Red Sox are now 49-35 and are two games back in the AL East. The first-place Yankees are facing the Cleveland Indians Monday night.

For more on the Jays, check out Bluebird Banter. For more on the Sox, check out Over The Monster.