TORONTO (AP) — Edwin Encarnacion hit a three-run homer in the first inning and Kevin Pillar singled home the winning run in the ninth to lift Toronto over Minnesota 5-4.
The first two batters of the game, Danny Santana and Brian Dozier, homered for the Twins off R.A. Dickey, but Encarnacion’s 20th of the season soon put Toronto ahead.
Jose Reyes added a solo shot for the Blue Jays, who squandered a two-run lead in the top of the ninth and then recovered to avoid their first three-game skid since May 9-11. Reyes also singled during the winning rally.
Matt Guerrier (0-1) took the loss. Casey Janssen (1-0) got the win after blowing his second save.
Newly signed slugger Kendrys Morales made his Twins debut, batting sixth and starting as the designated hitter. He went 1 for 3 with a single and a walk.
MARINERS 3, RAYS 0
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Robinson Cano drove in two runs with a bases-loaded double and Seattle blanked Tampa Bay for the second straight game.
Five Seattle pitchers combined on a five-hitter. The Mariners extended their scoreless streak to 19 innings and won for the eighth time in nine games.
The Rays have lost 13 of 14 and are saddled with the worst record in the major leagues at 24-41. The last time they were 17 games under .500 was the end of 2007, the final year they were known as the Devil Rays.
Cano’s big hit came during a three-run third against David Price (4-6), who struck out 10 in eight innings. The 2012 AL Cy Young Award winner has dropped three straight decisions and hasn’t won in nine starts.
Joe Beimel (1-1) retired his only two batters and Fernando Rodney worked a perfect ninth for his 18th save in 20 opportunities.
The Rays were shut out for the AL-high ninth time overall. Seattle finished a 6-1 road trip. The Mariners won three straight over Tampa Bay after dropping the opener of the four-game series.
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