Behind hot start, Blue Jays force Game 5 with 8–4 win over Rangers

The Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Texas Rangers to even the American League Divisional Series.

The Toronto Blue Jays have evened the American League Division Series at 2–2 by defeating the Texas Rangers 8–4 on Monday afternoon.

The Blue Jays and Rangers will head back to Toronto for Game 5, which will be played on Wednesday at 4:07 p.m. ET.

Josh Donaldson hit a two-run home run and Chris Colabello hit a solo shot off Derek Holland to get the Blue Jays off to a 3–0 start in the first inning lead. Toronto added four more runs in the next two innings to put Texas in a hole it couldn’t dig out of. 

Before Monday's game, Holland had allowed just two first-inning home runs all season. Kevin Pillar added another run in the second inning with a solo home run, which would spell the end of the night for Holland. Three home runs in a game was a season high for Holland.

Colby Lewis entered the game out of the bullpen for the Rangers and surrendered one run in his three innings of work. 

Blue Jays starter R.A. Dickey pitched 4 2/3 innings with three strikeouts and five hits. David Price pitched three innings out the bullpen. He gave up three hits for three runs with three strikeouts.

All-Star third baseman Adrian Beltre returned to the lineup and hit third for the Rangers after missing the previous two games due to a lower-back strain. Beltre went 2 for 4 at the plate.

The Rangers will send Cole Hamels to the mound in Toronto to face Marcus Stroman.

- Christopher Chavez