MLB scores: Donaldson homers, Tepesch sharp as Blue Jays topple Rays 2-1

Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) hits a two-run home run during first inning American league baseball action against the Tampa Bay Rays, in Toronto on Monday, August 14, 2017. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn)

TORONTO - Josh Donaldson hit an early home run, Nick Tepesch pitched six-plus innings and the Toronto Blue Jays held on to edge the Tampa Bay Rays 2-1 Monday in the opener of a four-game series between the division rivals.

Donaldson's two-run homer in the first inning provided the only offence needed for the Blue Jays (57-61), who opened play four games back of a wild card spot.

Tepesch (1-2) collected his first win in a Toronto uniform, allowing one run on four hits, three walks and two hit batsmen. Closer Roberto Osuna pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings to record a four-out save.

Tepesch had allowed five earned runs on eight hits over 4 1/3 innings against the New York Yankees in his first start for the Blue Jays last week. He was acquired from Minnesota in July for cash considerations.

Jake Odorizzi (6-6) gave up two runs on three hits and three walks while striking out four over six innings and Wilson Ramos had a solo home run for the Rays (60-60).

Odorizzi got off to a rough start, walking leadoff batter Jose Bautista before giving up a Donaldson home run to right field for a 2-0 Blue Jays lead. The homer was Donaldson's 17th of the season and eighth in his last 16 games.