Julio Rodriguez's three-run HR gives Mariners early Game 2 lead

The Seattle Mariners got off to a strong start in Game 2 of the American Champions League Series on Monday courtesy of Julio Rodriguez.

The center fielder smashed an 84 mph splitter off Trey Yesavage for a three-run homer in the top of the first inning. The Toronto Blue Jays right-hander had never allowed an extra-base hit on the splitter before, according to ESPN Research.

It marked Rodriguez's second home run of the postseason as Seattle looks to take a 2-0 lead in the series.

JULIO RODRÍGUEZ 3-RUN HOMER! #ALCS pic.twitter.com/LdnHOBG3P2

The blast was Yesavage's first career home run allowed in his fifth career start (regular season and playoffs). Entering Monday, he had allowed only two extra-base hits in 19⅓ innings pitched.

Seattle trailed 1-0 in the first inning in Game 1 before bouncing back to win 3-1 on Sunday. The series shifts to Seattle on Wednesday.

ESPN Research contributed to this report.