Edwin Encarnacion hit a three-run homer in the first inning, Kevin Pillar singled home the winning run in the ninth and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Minnesota Twins 5-4 on Monday night.
Jose Reyes had a solo shot for the Blue Jays, who squandered a two-run lead in the top of the ninth but recovered to avoid their first three-game skid since May 9-11.
Dioner Navarro drew a leadoff walk from Matt Guerrier and was replaced by pinch-runner Erik Kratz. Anthony Gose struck out trying to bunt and Casey Fien came on to face Reyes, who singled. Pillar followed with a single to right, and Kratz slid home headfirst ahead of the throw from Oswaldo Arcia.
The Twins had taken an early 2-0 lead as the first two hitters in the game, Danny Santana and Brian Dozier, homered off R.A. Dickey. Twins starter Ricky Nolasco then gave up the three run shot to Encarnacion to give Toronto a 3-2 edge after one inning.
