Dunedin, FL (Sports Network) - Alex Rodriguez shrugged off the steroid frenzy and smacked a two-run homer in his first official at-bat of the Spring and the New York Yankees defeated the Toronto Blue Jays, 6-1, in the Grapefruit League opener for both teams.

Rodriguez worked a walk in the first and again in the fifth amid a smattering of supporters and detractors at Dunedin Stadium. It was the embattled slugger's first professional appearance since his admission to taking performance-enhancing drugs while a member of the Texas Rangers from 2001-03.

In the fourth, Rodriguez belted a two-run homer off Ricky Romero.

"I thought the fans were okay, actually," said Rodriguez. "I'd like to invite a bunch of them to Fenway (Park) this summer. I thought they were pretty nice."

But what happened after the game is already drawing attention.

The New York Post's Web site reported after the contest, Rodriguez got into a burgundy SUV that was driven by his cousin Yuri Sucart, who allegedly purchased and injected Rodriguez with steroids from 2001-'03.

Brett Gardner also smacked a home run in the win while Brett Tomko started and went two scoreless innings. Jose Veras picked up the win with a scoreless inning of relief.

Romero took the loss and surrendered A-Rod's bomb over the left-field wall, giving up three runs in all. Brett Cecil started and went two innings, allowing one run but did fan four batters.

Alex Rios knocked in the Jays' lone run.

02/25 21:05:56 ET