(Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images)

Max Scherzer pitched seven strong innings, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a two-run home run and the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the visiting Chicago Cubs 2-1 on Thursday afternoon.

Scherzer allowed one run, five hits and one walk with three strikeouts to help the Blue Jays take the rubber match of a three-game series.

Michael Busch hit a solo home run for the Cubs, who were 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position.

The Cubs hit the ball hard early against Scherzer (3-2) with only Dansby Swanson's third-inning double to show for it.

The sixth inning started the same way when Matt Shaw flied out to the warning track in left. But Busch followed with a homer to right-center on a first-pitch curveball, his 24th of the season. Ian Happ followed with a double before Scherzer worked out of the inning on two popups.

Scherzer pitched around a single in the seventh.

Through the first six innings, Toronto's only hit against Matthew Boyd (11-6) was Tyler Heineman's third-inning single that was followed by Joey Loperfido's double-play grounder.

In the seventh, Davis Schneider walked and took second on Ernie Clement's sacrifice bunt before Guerrero followed with his 20th homer of the season on a 0-2 curveball.

Boyd completed seven innings, allowing two runs, two hits and one walk with five strikeouts.

Shaw led off the eighth with a double into the left field corner. Brendon Little replaced Scherzer and walked pinch hitter Seiya Suzuki. A wild pitch moved the runners to second and third. But Happ and Kyle Tucker struck out before Little was replaced by Seranthony Dominguez, who struck out Carson Kelly.

Jeff Hoffman pitched around a single and a stolen base with three strikeouts in the ninth to earn his 27th save.

With catcher Miguel Amaya (sprained ankle) put on the injured list, the Cubs promoted top prospect Owen Caissie, who made his major league debut as designated hitter. The native of nearby Burlington, Ont., was robbed of potential extra bases in his first at-bat in the second inning when Schneider made a diving catch of his liner to left-center. Caissie finished 0-for-4.

--Field Level Media