Hill hits two-run homer in first as Toronto Blue Jays beat Oakland Athletics 7-2

Hill helps Blue Jays beat A’s 7-2

OAKLAND, Calif. — Aaron Hill hit a two-run homer and the Toronto Blue Jays roughed up Vin Mazzaro in a 7-2 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Sunday.

The Blue Jays scored five runs off Mazzaro before making an out. Adam Lind doubled after Hill’s 26th homer, and Lyle Overbay and Vernon Wells each walked to load the bases. Alex Rios then hit a three-run double.

Lind singled in a run in the second and Rod Barajas hit his 10th homer off Mazzaro in the fifth.

Ricky Romero (10-4) gave up two runs in seven innings for Toronto, joining Tampa Bay’s Jeff Niemann as the only rookies with double-digit victories. He lowered his ERA to 3.53 with his 12th quality start in 17 outings.

Mazzaro (2-8), one of four rookies in the A’s rotation, has lost eight consecutive decisions since winning his first two career starts. He gave up seven runs and 10 hits in five innings and has allowed at least six runs in four consecutive starts, the first A’s starter to do that since Dave Stewart in 1991.

NOTES: Blue Jays SS Marco Scutaro didn’t play because of a bruised right heel. … Toronto RHP Jason Frasor will handle the closing duties while LHP Scott Downs is on the disabled list. Downs was placed on the DL on Sunday after aggravating an injury to his left big toe on Saturday night. … A’s manager Bob Geren said he had no update on RHP Justin Duchscherer, who was scratched from Friday’s scheduled rehab appearance for what the team called a “non-baseball issue.” The two-time All-Star has missed the entire season rehabbing from elbow and back injuries.