Stroman solid in 1st opening day start, Blue Jays beat Rays

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Marcus Stroman outpitched Chris Archer in his first opening day start, helping the Toronto Blue Jays begin defense of their first AL East title in 22 years with a 5-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday.

Stroman allowed three runs and six hits over eight-plus innings for the Blue Jays, who won 93 games in 2015 before making a run to the AL Championship Series in their first playoff appearance since 1993.

Troy Tulowitzki hit the first home run of the 2016 MLB season. Edwin Encarnacion had two hits and drove in two runs after not having an at-bat in a major league exhibition all spring training.

Archer struck out a Rays opening-day record 12 in five innings.

Associated Press