Blue Jays go long to rough up Sánchez (Nats fall 4-1)

The Blue Jays used the longball to build an early lead against Nationals veteran Aníbal Sánchez in his first start of the season Monday night.

Teoscar Hernández led off the game with a solo homer to give Toronto a 1-0 advantage. It was Hernández's third career leadoff home run.

In the fourth inning, the Blue Jays enjoyed the longball again thanks to solo shots from Rowdy Tellez and Danny Jansen.

All three roundtrippers were the first homers of the season for those Blue Jays sluggers.

Hernández added his second home run of the game leading off the fifth.

Sánchez has thrown 88 pitches through five innings.

The Nats got on the board in the bottom of the fourth. Eric Thames led off with a single against Blue Jays starter Trent Thornton. Kurt Suzuki's double scored Thames from first.

But the Nats have not been able to get that big RBI hit so far tonight, despite multiple chances. Despite generating eight hits through four frames, they have hit into two double plays and left seven men on base.

Mid-fifth, the Blue Jays lead the Nats 4-1.

Update I: Sánchez finished five innings but allowed four solo homers on six hits with seven strikeouts and one walk. He had to throw 88 pitches, 56 for strikes to record 15 outs.

Mid-seventh and the Blue Jays still lead 4-1.

Update II: In the bottom of the ninth, facing Blue Jays reliever Anthony Bass, Victor Robles struck out swinging. Michael A. Taylor grounded out to third. Trea Turner singled to left field. But Adam Eaton grounded out to the pitcher to end the game.

The Nats ended up with 10 men left on base, despite pounding out 11 hits, and hit into four double plays. They are now 1-3 on the season.

Final score: Blue Jays 4, Nats 1.