Encarnacion hits 3-run homer, Rasmus drives in 2 runs as Blue Jays beat Tigers 9-4

DUNEDIN, Fla. – Edwin Encarnacion hit a three-run homer, Colby Rasmus drove in two runs and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Detroit Tigers 9-4 on Saturday.

Toronto shortstop Jose Reyes left the game after the third inning due to tightness in his left hamstring. Reyes said his exit was just a precaution and insisted that he is fine.

Two-time American League MVP Miguel Cabrera was 0 for 2 with a strikeout and an RBI for the Tigers.

Encarnacion connected off Tigers starter Kyle Lobstein in a five-run first inning, which included a solo shot to right field by Moises Sierra and an RBI double from Melky Cabrera. It was Encarnacion’s third home run of the spring.

Encarnacion finished 2 for 4 with a double and three RBIs.

Tigers outfield prospect Ezequiel Carrera homered and Tyler Collins hit a two-run double against Blue Jays starter Todd Redmond in the sixth inning.

Redmond, a candidate for the fifth spot in the Blue Jaysa’ rotation, allowed five hits, walked one and struck out eight in six innings.