Blue Jays serve up a baker’s dozen in loss to Rays

The Toronto Blue Jays fell completely flat in their return home to the Rogers Centre, losing 13-2 to the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night.

J.A. Happ was rocked. The left-hander entered play with a 5-0 record and 2.05 ERA, but allowed eight earned runs on seven hits in just two innings of work.

Steve Pearce opened the scoring for Tampa Bay in the first inning with a two-run home run. Tim Beckham followed with another two-run shot off Happ in the second innings before Curt Casali launched a three-run home run off Antolin. Desmond Jennings tacked on a solo shot for good measure in the ninth.

Steven Souza doubled and drove in one as part of a 3-for-5 day. All nine Tampa Bay starters recorded at least one hit. 

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Dustin Antolin followed Happ out of the bullpen to make his major league debut, but found a cold welcome himself. The right-hander allowed three runs on four hits through two innings of his own.

After two perfect innings from Joe Biagini, Drew Storen allowed a hit but struck out three batters in his lone frame. Chad Girodo allowed one run on three hits and Jesse Chavez allowed one in the ninth. Roberto Osuna and Gavin Floyd were the only two relievers not used.

Jose Bautista singled in Darwin Barney in the fifth inning to break Toronto into the run column. Ezequiel Carrera doubled in the eighth and was driven in by Edwin Encarnacion.

The Blue Jays sent in all four subs in the sixth inning as Josh Thole, Ryan Goins, Andy Burns, and Carrera gave Russell Martin, Troy Tulowitzki, Donaldson, and Bautista the rest of the game off.

Toronto manager John Gibbons was ejected for his second consecutive game after arguing the strike zone given to Tulowitzki.

Marcus Stroman is scheduled to face Chris Archer in game two of the series on Tuesday before R.A. Dickey and Jake Odorizzi square off in the finale.

Suspensions are expected to be handed down tomorrow for Sunday’s brawl in Texas that began when Rougned Odor punched Jose Bautista after a hard slide at second base.