Estrada, potent bats lift Blue Jays over Rangers

Estrada, potent bats lift Blue Jays over Rangers

April 7th, 2018

ARLINGTON -- Toronto's offense put together a pair of three-run innings early, eventually building an 8-0 lead, and 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 later innings, but fell short as Toronto won, 8-5, Friday night to start a three-game series at Globe Life Park.

Estrada mastered the Rangers for five scoreless innings before broke through with a solo home run. Texas threatened further damage in the inning as they loaded the bases on a pair of singles and Estrada's only walk of the game, but he stranded all three runners with a flyout on his 105th and final pitch. He struck out seven. Estrada is 1-0 with the win, and his ERA is down to 2.77.

"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 couldn't keep the game close as Toronto's and hit back-to-back homers in the sixth. Moore is 0-2 in two starts and his ERA ballooned to 11.05.

The Rangers added four runs in the seventh inning on five hits -- including RBI doubles by , Choo and . However, double plays doused any Rangers threat in the eighth and ninth innings.

"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 and wrapped up Texas over the final two frames. Osuna earned his third save of the year with his performance.

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED

Error helps Blue Jays pull away: With one out in the top of the third, Josh Donaldson and singled and Solarte walked to load the bases for Martin, who got ahead in the count, 3-1, and poked a soft grounder past second base to drive in Donaldson. Center fielder attempted to field the ball on the run, but it kicked off his glove and Smoak hurried home to put Toronto up, 2-0. Solarte scored on a sacrifice fly from the next hitter, .

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 collected his 3,056th career hit, moving him past Rickey Henderson into sole possession of 23rd on the all-time hit list. Beltre had two more hits to move to 3,058. Next up for Beltre, who turns 39 on Saturday, is Craig Biggio with 3,060 hits.

WHAT'S NEXT

The series continues Saturday night at 8:05 p.m. ET with right-hander starting against the Rangers' Mike Minor. Stroman has a 1-1 record with a 5.73 ERA in two career starts against Texas. Shortstop left Wednesday's game with back spasms. Gibbons said before Friday's game that Diaz is "good to go."

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