Dylan Cease sets record for Blue Jays debut, striking out 12 in comeback win over A's

Starting pitcher Dylan Cease was as advertised in his Blue Jays debut Saturday at Rogers Centre.

The veteran right-hander, who signed a seven-year, $210-million US deal with the Blue Jays in the off-season, had 12 strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings as Toronto came back for an 8-7 win over the visiting Athletics.

"You saw all of his stuff," said Blue Jays manager John Schneider. "When he's throwing his curveball for strikes, he threw the change-up at the right time today, which is going to be a weapon for him I think, and it makes the heater and the slider that much better.

"So that's what we were looking for when we acquired him and what we've been talking about all spring. He executed it really, really well today."

Cease's contract was the largest free-agent contract in franchise history. He set a team record for most strikeouts in a debut performance.

"I still feel like I'm kind of fine-tuning things and trying to find more consistency," Cease said. "But I mean, I'll take that for sure."

Ernie Clement drove in Nathan Lukes with the winning run in the 11th inning to give the Blue Jays their second straight walkoff win.

With Lukes aboard as the automatic runner, right-hander Luis Medina (0-1) struck out Alejandro Kirk and intentionally walked Daulton Varsho to get to Clement.

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The Toronto second baseman responded with a sharp RBI single to the delight of the 40,268 fans in attendance. Clement was asked whether he takes it personally when the opposing team intentionally walks a batter to get him to the plate.

"How could you not? It just kind