Blue Jays top Tigers to take home opener in newly renovated Rogers Centre
CBC
Kevin Kiermaier has been talking about making highlight-reel plays over the new outfield walls at Rogers Centre since the Blue Jays signed him as a free agent in December.
It took just two innings for Kiermaier to deliver on that promise in Toronto's home opener.
Kiermaier snatched a potential home run from over the fence then hit a homer of his own to help the Blue Jays to a 9-3 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday.
"Baseball works in mysterious ways sometimes and tonight, my second inning out there, I make that catch," said Kiermaier, who earned three Gold Gloves and a Platinum Glove over nine season with the Tampa Bay Rays before signing a one-year, $9 million US deal with Toronto in the off-season.
"It was such a rush, such a thrill. It's one I'll go back and watch probably 10 times tonight."
WATCH l Blue Jays return to home field:
His Blue Jays teammates were also wowed.
"We were kind of laughing in the dugout," said manager John Schneider. "It's right out of the chute and he's jumped over the wall."
George Springer hit his second home run of the season before Kiermaier was done celebrating his fifth-inning dinger. Kiermaier said he didn't mind Springer immediately overshadowing his first home run of the season, however.
"So great, I'll take that any time," said Kiermaier. "The more the better."
Alejandro Kirk had a three-run homer and an RBI single for the Blue Jays (7-4), who started the season on a 10-game road trip due to renovations at Rogers Centre.
Matt Chapman and Bo Bichette added their own solo shots for Toronto before Brandon Belt drove in a run with a base hit.
Starting pitcher Alek Manoah earned a no decision, giving up three runs on four hits and five walks over 4 1/3 innings, striking out three. Zach Pop (1-0) of Brampton, Ont., Erik Swanson, Yimi Garcia and Anthony Bass combined for 4 2/3 scoreless innings.
"Wish I could have done a little bit better and been in there a little bit longer and helped our bullpen out a little bit," said Manoah. "But it's a great team win and that gives us great momentum and gives the crowd something to be excited about."
