Outfielder George Springer hit the first home run of the 2024 Toronto Blue Jays' season in the fourth inning of Thursday's opener.

Springer took a hanging breaking ball from right-hander Zach Eflin and deposited it in the left-centre field seats as the Blue Jays tied the Tampa Bay Rays 1-1.

The Rays jumped out to an early lead on a lead-off homer by Yandy Diaz.

Springer hit 21 home runs in 154 games with the Jays last season, his third in Toronto since signing a six-year deal. The 34-year-old hit three home runs in 16 games this spring.

Cavan Biggio and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. added home runs as well as the Blue Jays cruised to an 8-2 victory.

The Blue Jays and Rays continue their season-opening four-game series Friday night at Tropicana Field.