MLB: Boston 4, Toronto 3

TORONTO, Sept. 19 (UPI) -- Jonathan Papelbon finished off three innings of one-hit relief pitching Friday that preserved Boston's 4-3 victory over Toronto.

The Red Sox remained 1 1/2 games behind Tampa Bay in their battle for the American League East title.

The game was tied at 3-3 going into the eighth, but Boston loaded the bases against Brian Tallet (1-2) and Jason Bay scored when the Blue Jays could not turn a double play on Jason Varitek's grounder to shortstop.

Four Boston relief pitchers combined to give up a lone hit and walk just one over the final three innings. The second of the relievers, Manny Delcarmen (1-2), got the win. Papelbon gave up a hit in the ninth, but picked up his 39th save.

Boston overcame an early 2-0 deficit with a three-run fifth, two of the runs scoring on Sean Casey's double.