Drew, Lester lead Bosox past Jays 8-1 for sweep

TORONTO — J.D. Drew homered twice, Jon Lester pitched eight strong innings and the Boston Red Sox beat the Toronto Blue Jays 8-1 on Thursday to complete a three-game sweep.

Victor Martinez connected for the second straight night for the Red Sox, who have hit two or more homers in five consecutive games, nine of 10 and 15 of 19.

The Red Sox have 32 homers in August, three shy of the team record set in 2006. The AL wild card leaders have 10 games remaining this month, including a pivotal series this weekend against the East-leading New York Yankees at Fenway Park.