Guerrero Jr., Hernandez power Blue Jays over Twins in series opener

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a three-run homer, Teoscar Hernandez homered for the second straight day and the Toronto Blue Jays cruised to a 9-3 win over the Minnesota Twins on Thursday night.

"I think if you can line it up, they all kind of have that damage potential," Toronto interim manager John Schneider said of his lineup with the addition of Merrifield. "But if you can get guys on base and put the ball in play like we've been preaching all year - I know we had six walks, five in the first five innings and got nothing of it - but when you put that combination of on-base and damage together, it's pretty good."

Toronto won for the 12th time in 15 games and got six effective innings from Alek Manoah.

Manoah (12-5) allowed two runs on two hits but tied a season high with four walks.

When you hit 'em 115.4 MPH, you're allowed to admire it