Recap: Blue Jays stars lead the charge in win over Rays on Opening Day

With the absence of Kevin Gausman, who is set to make his start on the back end of the rotation to start, José Berr�os was the man for the job, making his second opening-day start for the Blue Jays and fourth overall of his career. After a shaky start and giving up a leadoff home run to Yandy D�az, it seemed like this year's ace settled in nicely. Teh right-hander gave up 6 hits resulting in 2 runs in a 6IP outing.

It clearly was not a pitching duel, as Tampa Bays Rays starter Zach Eflin couldn't seem to find a way to get the Blue Jays out. He started off strong throwing 3 scoreless innings, but the tide turned in the 4th after a home run from RF George Springer. After winning 16 games in 2023 and signing a monster 3-year, $40 million contract in the offseason, the 6-6 right hander allowed six runs on six hits over 5 2/3 innings in his first career opening-day start. To make matters worse, (but great for the Jays) the first three hits off him were homers, coming from Cavan Biggio, George Springer and a monster 450-foot shot from Vladdy, giving a 3-1 lead in the sixth for the Jays.

Catcher Alejandro Kirk and Bo Bichette each contributed offensively as well, they each had two runs batted in for the Blue Jays. The Jays scored five runs in the sixth inning, following a period where they were restricted to just one hit. Biggio also launched a home run, further extending the Blue Jays' lead. After Eflin beaned Justin Turner and walked Daulton Varsho, with the bases loaded, Kirk came through with a two-run single. Kevin Kiermaier then contributed with an RBI single, making the score 6-1 in favor of the Blue Jays.

This impressive offensive performance was a blueprint of what the Blue Jays believe they can do on a regular basis this season; it looks like the guidance and the confidence is there under the guidance of new offensive coordinator Don Mattingly. Hopefully the Jays can translate this big win tomorrow against the Rays.