Takeaways: Boston Red Sox End Losing Streak, Take Down Toronto Blue Jays 6-3

The Boston Red Sox came out of the gates swinging with three runs in the first inning and holding on to beat the Toronto Blue Jays in the series' third game.

Cooper Criswell threw a decent 3.1 innings, allowing just one run before handing it off to the bullpen for the rest of the game.

What are the main takeaways from Boston's game three win over Toronto?

Jarren Duran was the spark plug the offense needed

To no surprise, when the offense got into a prolonged funk Jarren Duran was the one to force them out of it. His leadoff home run immediately set the tone for the game and seemed to wake up the rest of the lineup with three-run first and fifth innings.

Even in his outs, he remained a positive force for the Red Sox and advanced Ceddanne Rafaela to third on a groundout that was immediately followed by an RBI single by David Hamilton. Duran also officially created the 10-triple, 20-HR, 30-SB, 40-2B single-season club with his solo HR.

The Boston defense was oddly superb

Defensive miscues have been a serious issue for the Red Sox for multiple years despite plenty of coaching changes, but tonight they were quite impressive. Boston executed two perfect relays to nail runners at the plate, turned a dazzling double play started by a sprinting Rafaela, and just made every play they needed to make.

The defense's ability to step up and help the team during a rough patch, especially in a bullpen game, cannot be praised enough and was a major reason they ended the game with a victory.

The entire contest felt extremely controlled

While it wasn't a blowout by any means, this game felt solely in the Red Sox's control for all nine innings. The pitching implosions and sudden offensive lapses seemed a world away, with a much-needed "calm" win.

Boston is still a sizeable amount of games out of a playoff spot, but putting together more wins like these is the key to continuing their quest for an October appearance.

The Red Sox are now 68-64 on the season.

Game 4

The penultimate game of the Boston Red Sox series against the Toronto Blue Jays is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon at 7:10 PM EST at Fenway Park, televised on NESN.