Heim leads Rangers in comeback win over Blue Jays

TORONTO — Hyun Jin Ryu wasn't making any excuses for himself after a rough fourth inning undid a sizable lead for the Toronto Blue Jays.

Ryu struck out four and allowed just one run in the first three innings of his start on Sunday afternoon. But then the starting pitcher was derailed in the fourth, recording only a single out as the Texas Rangers stormed back for a 12-6 victory over Toronto.

"I left some pitches over the plate too much in the fourth inning after throwing well in the first and third inning," said Ryu through translator J.S. Park.

He said walking Texas designated hitter Mitch Garver to start the fourth inning threw him off.

"I felt my command, fastball, everything seemed pretty well. Just after getting that unnecessary walk I just fell apart from there."

Because of Major League Baseball's labour lockout, all teams had a shortened spring training. Ryu also wasn't immediately able to report to the Blue Jays' camp in Dunedin, Fla., which limited his preparation time to start the regular season.

However, Ryu said he feels healthy and could have had a higher pitch count if he hadn't gotten into trouble in the fourth inning.

"If I did play well, it would have been a little different," said Ryu.

Matt Chapman's three-run homer was his first with the Blue Jays (2-1), and George Springer, Danny Jansen, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., added solo bombs to build an early 6-1 lead.

Julian Merryweather, Ross Stripling, David Phelps, Tayler Saucedo and Trent Thornton came out of the bullpen for Toronto, coughing up six more runs.

Although the Blue Jays took the home-opening series against Texas two games to one, Toronto's relief pitchers combined for 18 1/3 innings in the three-game set.

"But should be OK for tomorrow,"