Blue Jays, Pirates trying to recapture early-season form

Two teams trying to keep strong starts from fading too fast meet Friday when the Toronto Blue Jays open a series against the host Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Blue Jays lost 11-5 Thursday, finishing a four-game sweep at Boston and stretching their skid to a season-worst five straight. Pittsburgh fellat Tampa Bay 3-2 to get swept in three games and reach a season-worst four losses in a row.

In the tight American League East w