Blue Jays batter Reds in triumphant return for Gaston

TORONTO (Reuters) - Manager Cito Gaston made a triumphant return to Toronto as the Blue Jays pounded out a season-high 22 hits in a 14-1 mauling of the Cincinnati Reds in interleague play on Tuesday.

Toronto scored six runs in the first inning and five more in the second to take an early 11-0 lead in Gaston's first game at the Rogers Centre since he began his second stint in charge of the Blue Jays last week.

Gaston managed the Blue Jays from 1989 until he was fired in 1997 and his first spell was highlighted by back-to-back World Series titles from 1992.

The 64-year-old returned as manager at the weekend with a three-game series in Pittsburgh after John Gibbons was fired on Friday.

Gaston was welcomed back by the 28,153 fans with a tumultuous ovation before the game and fans chanted "Cito! Cito!" throughout the contest.

"It's great to be back," Gaston told reporters. "The fans have always been great to me in this city.

"We had a lot of great moments here and we accomplished so much. My heart has always been with this organization and it's special to get another chance to manage here, and the fans were tremendous tonight.

"It gives you goosebumps."

ONE STEP

The Jays struggling offense celebrated Gaston's return with season-highs in both runs and hits as Scott Rolen, Alex Rios and Gregg Zaun all homered for Toronto. Rios and Marco Scutaro both wound up with four hits.

The Blue Jays (37-41) were expected to challenge for a playoff spot this season but still languish in last place in the AL East despite winning their second straight game under Gaston after losing the first two.

"It's one step at a time," Gaston said. "We have a lot of games left to try and get this thing turned around."

A.J. Burnett (7-7) pitched eight strong innings for the win, allowing one run on four hits with seven strikeouts and three walks, his task made easier by the early big lead.

Reds starter Bronson Arroyo was mauled for 10 runs on 11 hits in a little over one inning of work.

"It was a great night for the Jays and their manager but a terrible night for us," Arroyo said. "I probably could have told them what (pitch) was coming and fared better."

The slumping Reds have lost seven of nine and 11 of their past 16 games.

(Editing by John O'Brien)