Donaldson homers, Tepesch sharp as Blue Jays topple Rays 2-1
TORONTO — Josh Donaldson wasn’t sure if his first-inning home run had enough pop to clear the right-field fence.
It did. And it ended up being the deciding factor in the game.
Donaldson provided the only offence starter Nick Tepesch needed as the Toronto Blue Jays held on for a 2-1 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday in the opener of a four-game series between the division rivals.
The two-run shot — Donaldson’s 17th homer of the season and ninth to come in the first inning — followed a Jose Bautista leadoff walk and came on a 3-2 fastball from Rays starter Jake Odorizzi.