Snapping personal drought, Martin sees positives

NEW YORK — Russell Martin had been waiting a very, very long time for this. Forty-one games, to be exact.

Martin’s homerless drought finally came to an end at 124 at-bats on Wednesday night when he went deep twice in Toronto’s 8-4 victory over the Yankees. It was the second-longest stretch without a home run to start a season in Martin’s career and one that he’ll want to put in his rearview mirror as quickly as possible.

Martin also contributed to some history in the seventh inning, teaming with Michael Saunders to establish the first duo from Canada to homer in the same inning of a Major League game, and just the second duo to do so in the same game. Justin Morneau and Corey Koskie previously did it in the same game five times for the Twins.

Martin played a pivotal role in a breakout night at the plate for Toronto’s struggling offense. Prior to Wednesday, the veteran catcher’s last home run came all the way back on Oct. 2, 2015, against the Rays, but on this night, he went 2-for-5 with three RBIs in easily his best game of the year.

“It definitely felt like it had been awhile, so it’s definitely nice to get that first one,” said …

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