Lyle Overbay ended a lengthy slump with three hits, including one of Toronto’s five home runs, as the Blue Jays outslugged the Texas Rangers 16-10 on Friday.
Overbay, who came into the game mired in an 8-for-53 rut, belted a solo homer to kick off an eight-run third inning for the Blue Jays. Vernon Wells and Travis Snider added three-run shots in the frame, before Aaron Hill and Adam Lind went back-to-back to highlight Toronto’s four-run fourth.
Josh Roenicke (1-0) earned the win for Toronto despite allowing two runs in 1 1/3 innings.
Nelson Cruz paced the Rangers with four RBIs in his first game since being activated from the 15-day disabled list. Vladimir Guerrero added three hits and three RBIs in defeat.
Neither starter lasted past the third inning. Jays left-hander Brett Cecil was tagged for eight runs in just two innings of work, while Texas counterpart Rich Harden surrendered seven runs and tied a season high by issuing six walks in 2 2/3 innings.
Doug Mathis (1-1) absorbed the loss after giving up eight runs in 1 1/3 innings.
The teams’ pitchers combined to allow 26 hits and 17 walks.
Texas | Toronto | |
Rich Harden | Player | Brett Cecil |
No Decision | W/L | No Decision |
2.2 | IP | 2.0 |
3 | Strikeouts | 2 |
4 | Hits | 8 |
23.62 | ERA | 36.00 |
Texas | Toronto | |
Vladimir Guerrero | Player | Lyle Overbay |
3 | Hits | 3 |
3 | RBI | 3 |
0 | HR | 1 |
3 | TB | 7 |
.750 | Avg | 1.000 |