ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Chris Archer threw six solid innings, Evan Longoria hit a three-run homer and the Tampa Bay Rays split a four-game series with Toronto by beating the Blue Jays 7-2 on Thursday night.
Archer (1-0) allowed two runs, four hits, two walks and had seven strikeouts. Archer and the Rays agreed to a $25.5 million, six-year deal Wednesday. The contract includes club options for 2020 and 2021 that could raise the value to $43.75 million.
Longoria tied Carlos Pena for first on the Rays' career home run list with 163 on his seventh-inning shot off Esmil Rogers that put Tampa Bay ahead 7-2.
Brandon Morrow (0-1) gave up four runs and seven hits over five innings in his first start since May 28.
The right-hander missed the final four months last season due to an entrapped radial nerve in his right forearm.
The Blue Jays extended their winless road series streak at Tampa Bay to 21. Since taking a series in April 2007, Toronto has lost 19 and split two road series against the Rays.
Ryan Hanigan had an RBI single in the second, and Desmond Jennings hit a run-scoring double during a three-run third as the Rays took a 4-0 lead.
Toronto got to 4-2 in the fourth on Dioner Navarro's sacrifice fly and an RBI infield single from Brett Lawrie.
Tampa Bay right fielder and 2013 AL Rookie of the Year Wil Myers was scratched from the lineup due to flu-like symptoms. Infielder-outfielder Sean Rodriguez was placed on the paternity leave list and infielder Vince Belnome was recalled from Triple-A Durham.
Rays outfielder David DeJesus returned after missing the previous two games with a bruised right foot and went 2 for 5. First listed to start in left field, DeJesus was moved to designated hitter.
Notes: Toronto closer Casey Janssen, on the 15-day disabled list due to a strain in his left abdominal area and lower back, continues throwing on level ground. The right-hander doesn't know when he will have a bullpen session. "We're just trying to work our way to the mound," Janssen said. "Want to get comfortable on flat ground." ... Tampa Bay RHP Jake Odorizzi and Texas LHP Joe Saunders will start the opener of a three-game series Friday night. ... The Blue Jays will start RHP Dustin McGowan in Friday night's home opener against the New York Yankees. Japanese star Masahiro Tanaka will make his major league debut for the Yankees.
