CLEVELAND (AP) ― The Cleveland Indians’ first win of the season wasn’t exactly a piece of cake. Still, it was worth celebrating.

Carlos Santana hit two home runs on his 26th birthday, Derek Lowe pitched seven strong innings and Cleveland’s bullpen finally held a lead ― barely ― and beat the Toronto Blue Jays 4-3 Sunday.

“Let’s tell him it’s his birthday every day,” said Cleveland closer Chris Perez, who retired Toronto slugger Jose Bautista on an infield popup with the bases loaded to earn the save.

“I wouldn’t mind if it was my birthday every day, but I would be an old man if that happened,” Santana said.

Santana opened the second inning with a drive over the wall in center. He connected a second time off Joel Carreno (0-1) in the fifth, a two-run shot to right that broke a 2-all tie.

On his last four birthdays, including two years in the minors, Santana is 10 for 17 with five homers and 13 RBIs.

“I don’t know why, maybe I am just excited,” Santana said.

Toronto won the first two games by 7-4 scores. The first went 16 innings, the longest Opening Day game in history, and the second game lasted 12 innings. The Indians led in all three games. This time, their bullpen did not allow the Blue Jays to go ahead.

Tigers rally to win

DETROIT (AP) ― Alex Avila’s drive sailed to deep right field, barely clearing both an outfielder and a wall.

An exhilarating opening series at Comerica Park was finally over, and the Detroit catcher could look forward to some much-needed rest.

“I’m too tired right now,” Avila said. “I’m glad we have an off day (Monday). This weekend has been crazy.”

Avila’s two-run homer with two outs in the bottom of the 11th inning gave the Tigers a stunning 13-12 victory over Boston on Sunday, leaving the Red Sox winless in three games under new manager Bobby Valentine.

Cincinnati 6, Miami 5

NY Mets 7, Atlanta 5

Baltimore 3, Minnesota 1

Pittsburgh 5, Philadelphia 4

Tampa Bay 3, NY Yankees 0

Houston 3, Colorado 2

St. Louis 9, Milwaukee 3

Chicago 4, Washington 3

Kansas City 7, LA Angels 3

San Diego 8, LA Dodgers 4

Arizona 7, San Francisco 6

Texas 5, Chicago 0