Blue Jays fire manager after rocky season start

TORONTO -- The Toronto Blue Jays fired manager Buck Martinez on Monday after the team's worst start in two decades.

Third base coach Carlos Tosca became the interim manager.

"The goal is to be a better club in September than we are now and we feel like Carlos can help us to get there," Toronto general manager J.P. Ricciardi said.

Martinez becomes the fifth manager fired since opening day. Detroit fired Phil Garner, Colorado replaced Buddy Bell, Kansas City dismissed Tony Muser and Milwaukee fired Davey Lopes.

The Blue Jays, third worst in the American League with a 21-33 record, swept a three-game weekend series with Detroit.

Monday's games

BLUE JAYS 6, DEVIL RAYS 1

TORONTO -- Jose Cruz Jr. homered twice as the Blue Jays got their first win under new manager Carlos Tosca.

Cruz, who entered the game in a 10-for-61 slump, went 3-for-4 with four RBIs. Cruz led off the fourth with a homer off Tanyon Sturtze (0-7), Toronto's first hit of the game. Cruz added a three-run shot in the fifth.

Orioles 4, Yankees 3

NEW YORK -- Mike Bordick hit an RBI double in the ninth inning as Baltimore beat closer Mariano Rivera again.

After the Yankees scored two runs in the eighth inning to tie the game, Baltimore went back ahead in the ninth.

Tigers 7, Red Sox 6

DETROIT -- Detroit tagged Boston ace Pedro Martinez for four runs in the first inning then rallied on Shane Halter's RBI double in the 10th.

-- From wire reports