ST. PETERSBURG, Florida - Kazuma Okamoto helped power the Toronto Blue Jays to a 5-1 win against the Tampa Bay Rays with his 26th home run of the season on Thursday.
The slugging infielder from Japan broke the ice with a solo shot in the top of the second inning at Tropicana Field, launching a fly ball 415 feet (126 meters) out to left field.
"I was happy with it," said Okamoto, whose long bomb was one of three Toronto home runs on the day and extended his record for most homers by a Blue Jays rookie.
The 30-year-old former Yomiuri Giants standout took sole possession of the record with No. 25 during Tuesday's 10-5 series-opening win against the Rays.
Following a sluggish start to the campaign, the Blue Jays continue to gain ground in the AL Wild Card race after securing a series win against the American League East-leading Rays.
At 63-66, the Blue Jays sit a half-game outside the final AL Wild Card spot, occupied by the Minnesota Twins at 63-65, while the Texas Rangers also stand at 63-65.
Okamoto and company will keep pushing for a postseason berth at the New York Yankees on Friday.
"I want to give it my all again tomorrow," Okamoto said. "The pitchers are different every day, and I want to make sure I adjust properly during practice and go into the game ready."
