Austin Hays hit two of four home runs for the Baltimore Orioles, who defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 7-2 on Monday in the first of four games between the AL East rivals.
Hays hit a two-run long ball in the fourth inning, then stretched his arms solo in the seventh.
Anthony Santander added an offering good for two points to the supporters. Ramon Urias was the author of a solo home run in this ninth victory in 11 games for the Orioles.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. also sent a ball into the stands to produce a point for the local favorites.
Kevin Gausman (4-4) matched his career high this season by giving up six earned runs, and the Blue Jays suffered their second loss in seven games.
The Blue Jays starter walked Ryan O’Hearn in the top of the second inning, and he scored when Santander made his 11e countryside circuit.
The Blue Jays responded in the bottom of the inning when shortstop Gunnar Henderson missed his throw to first base on a grounder from George Springer. Daulton Varsho followed with a productive triple and the Blue Jays cut the Orioles’ lead in half.
In the fourth, Colton Cowser drove Santander to the plate with a double. Hays then hit a home run to increase his team’s lead to four points.
Guerrero then sent a Grayson Rodriguez shot wide to center field to add a sixth long ball to his record.
Hays responded with a homer in the seventh.
Gausman was removed from the match after his 97e throw. He allowed six hits and one free pass in six and a third innings. He also struck out three batters.
The Blue Jays put runners on first and third base in the seventh on singles by Springer and Isiah Kiner-Falefa. But Rodriguez fanned Kevin Kiermaier and Yennier Cano came in relief to retire Davis Schneider on a hit to right field.
Rodriguez (6-2) allowed one run and seven hits to safety. He struck out four opponents.
Urias added the insurance run in the ninth with his third home run of the season.