TORONTO – Give or take a few details, this is exactly how the Toronto Blue Jays would have scripted Friday’s game.

A dominant start from their ace. Production from the top of the order, including three home runs. Lockdown work from the bullpen. Win. Gain some ground in the standings. Try and do it again tomorrow.

The resulting 8-1 win over the visiting Seattle Mariners gives the Blue Jays a 66-70 record and allows them to gain a game on the Cleveland Guardians, who now have a 2.5-game edge over Toronto in the race for the third and final American League wild-card spot. 

At the centre of it all was Dylan Cease, who strengthened his case for the AL Cy Young Award with six innings of one-run ball. 

The only run Cease surrendered came in the first inning when Dominic Canzone turned on a middle-middle fastball. 

Otherwise, Cease was his usual dominant........

© Sportsnet