Jose Bautista hits 43rd homer during Toronto’s 10-run 6th inning against Tampa Bay Rays

Blue Jays score 10 runs in 6th inning against Rays

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Jose Bautista has hit his major league-leading 43rd homer during the Toronto Blue Jays’ 10-run sixth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Bautista’s three-run drive Tuesday night off reliever Lance Cormier capped the outburst and put the Blue Jays up 11-3. Aaron Hill had a two-run shot against Cormier.

It was the most runs Toronto has scored in one inning since an 11-run sixth on July 25, 2007, against Minnesota.

After managing only two hits through five innings, Toronto chased Rays starter Jeff Niemann by putting its first six batters on base in the sixth — five hits and a batter hit by a pitch.

Niemann and Cormier combined to give up six extra-base hits in the sixth, tying the franchise record for one inning.

Niemann was charged with seven runs in five-plus innings. Cormier allowed four runs in one inning.

(This version Corrects to six straight batters reaching base, not six consecutive hits off Niemann)