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Price strikes out 11 in thunderous Blue Jays debut

Peter Llewellyn / USA TODAY Sports

David Price may have been wearing a different jersey, but he was still the same old ace.

A rejuvenated fan base packed the sold-out Rogers Centre on Monday to watch the five-time All-Star make his much anticipated debut for the Toronto Blue Jays, and Price did not disappoint, en route to the 5-1 win over the Minnesota Twins.

The left-hander allowed one run on three hits across eight innings, while striking out 11 before exiting to a standing ovation from the 45,766 in attendance.

"Wow. That was hands down the best atmosphere I have ever pitched in," Price said on field following the game.

It was the second time this season that a Blue Jays starter has collected double-digit strikeouts, and his 11 strikeouts were the most in franchise history by a pitcher making their debut.

Price struck out Twins second baseman Brian Dozier to lead off the game for his first with the Blue Jays. The former Cy Young winner allowed a solo home run to Torii Hunter in the second inning, and got out of a bases loaded, no-out jam in the fourth. He finished his day retiring 15 in a row.

With the win, the Blue Jays moved into a tie with the Twins for the second wild-card spot.

(Video courtesy: MLB.com)

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