Estrada, potent bats lift Blue Jays over Rangers
ARLINGTON -- Toronto's offense put together a pair of three-run innings early, eventually building an 8-0 lead, and Marco Estrada pitched a strong six innings, allowing a run on five hits to lead the Blue Jays to their fifth win of the season. The Rangers mounted a comeback in the
ARLINGTON -- Toronto's offense put together a pair of three-run innings early, eventually building an 8-0 lead, and
Estrada mastered the Rangers for five scoreless innings before
"I thought he was great," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said of Estrada. "He had everything working."
"I threw two curveballs," Estrada said. "The rest were fastball/change. I got a little tired at the end. Overall, it was pretty good. I wish I could have given the guys another inning."
Rangers starter Matt Moore fell into trouble early, allowing five earned runs, walking four and yielding five hits as he exited after 3 1/3 innings. Reliever
The Rangers added four runs in the seventh inning on five hits -- including RBI doubles by
"Marco did a great job," Martin said. "The bullpen was a little shaky tonight, but we hung in there and got a win."
Blue Jays relievers
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Error helps Blue Jays pull away: With one out in the top of the third, Josh Donaldson and
Back-to-back homers seal deal: Solarte and Martin cinched the win with back-to-back home runs in the sixth inning. Leading 6-0, Solarte homered first with two outs and no one on base. Martin followed with his solo shot to run the score to 8-0. The Blue Jays have homered in seven of eight games to start the season and have hit 12 home runs total. More >
QUOTABLE
"I like the way we're playing right now. Pitchers are throwing strikes. We're having good at-bats. There is good energy on the field." -- Martin
"Estrada's a guy that we know well … and have had limited success against. He seems to throw the ball extremely well against us. Really, it's his changeup that makes a difference for him. He made it challenging for us." -- Rangers manager Jeff Banister
SOUND SMART WITH YOUR FRIENDS
Estrada is now 3-1, 4.23 in seven career starts against Texas. Five of the seven outings against Texas have been quality starts.
BELTRE PASSES RICKEY
With an infield single to second base in the second inning, Rangers third baseman
WHAT'S NEXT
The series continues Saturday night at 8:05 p.m. ET with right-hander
Watch every out-of-market regular-season game live on MLB.TV.
Dic Humphrey is a contributor to MLB.com.