Kazuma Okamoto hit his first career MLB home run Sunday, crushing a ball to right-centre field to extend the Toronto Blue Jays’ lead over the Athletics in the fourth inning.
Facing A’s right-hander Luis Morales, Okamoto jumped all over a 96 MPH fastball and belted it 420 feet into the seats, making it 4-0 for the home side.
The blast continues Okamoto’s strong start to his MLB career as he came into Sunday’s game 3-for-8 with a pair of walks. The 29-year-old flew out to right field in his first at-bat in Sunday’s series finale.
Signed to a four-year, $60 million deal by Toronto this off-season, Okamoto joins the Jays after 11 seasons in Japan’s NPB league with the Yomiuri Giants. Okamoto slashed .322/.411/.581 with 15 homers and 51 RBI in 77 games last year for the Tokyo-based Giants.
He hit .316 with one home run and four RBI in eight spring training games for Toronto this year.
Sanchez hits first Jays HR
Meanwhile, outfielder Jesus Sanchez also hit his first Blue Jays home run on Sunday, smoking a two-run shot to centre field in the third inning.
The homer came on a 3-0 fastball from Morales with catcher Tyler Heimeman on base.
Sanchez, 28, was acquired from the Houston Astros in February in exchange for outfielder Joey Loperfido. He had 14 home runs in 134 games last season split between the Miami Marlins and Astros.
After wrapping up against the A’s, the Jays will be back in action on Monday evening at home against the Colorado Rockies.
