Mazara marvellous for Rangers

May 2, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Texas Rangers right fielder Nomar Mazara (30) hits a single against Toronto Blue Jays in the first inning at Rogers Centre. (Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports ORG XMIT: USATSI-259014)

RF Nomar Mazara came up big as the Texas Rangers win at the Toronto Blue Jays 2-1 in game one of their four-game series.

The 21-year old hit the game-winning solo home run in the top of the eighth inning and his throw to home plate in the bottom of the eighth prevented the Blue Jays from scoring the game-tying run.

Nomar Mazara went 2-for-4 with 1 run, 1 HR and 1 RBI. He is batting .333 this season with 11 runs, 3 HR and 9 RBI.

The Rangers struck first with a leadoff home run from C Brett Nicholas in the third inning.

The Blue Jays answered with the tying run in the bottom of the inning. CF Kevin Pillar hit a leadoff-double and advanced to third base on a groundout by C Josh Thole. LF Michael Saunders followed with a single and drove in Kevin Pillar.

In the seventh inning Texas thought they had scored their second run. With the bases loaded and one out 2B Rougned Odor hit a high fly ball into center field. DH Mitch Moreland came home but CF Delino DeShields was tagged out at second base for the double play.

The play was reviewed by the Umpires, who ruled that DeShields was tagged before Moreland crossed home plate.

Texas scored one inning later when Nomar Mazara hit a pitch 408 ft. over the wall in center field.

Toronto loaded the bases in the bottom of the eighth inning. The fans in Rogers Centre created an atmosphere similar to game five of the ALDS matchup between the two sides in 2015, especially with RP Sam Dyson on the mound. With one out, ironically RF Jose Bautista, SS Troy Tulowitzki hit a fly ball to right field but Nomar Mazara’s throw reached home plate just in time for Brett Nicholas to tag Michael Saunders before he could score a run.

CL Shawn Tolleson earned his 9th save of the season and the Rangers went on to win the series opener.

SP A.J. Griffin pitched 6 innings for the Rangers, giving up 3 hits, 2 walks and 1 earned run while striking out 9. He has a 2.32 ERA with a 1.00 WHIP this season.

SP R.A. Dickey allowed 6 hits, 3 walks and 1 earned run in 6.1 innings of work while striking out 3. His ERA and WHIP improved to 5.73 and 1.61, respectively.