TORONTO — Beer and alcohol sales were banned at the Tigers-Blue Jays game last night, a day after their season opener was delayed when unruly fans littered the field with baseballs and debris.

The clubhouses were cleared of booze, too, after the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario suspended the liquor license at Rogers Centre for three dates because of past infractions.

The panel cited five broken rules at baseball and football games and concerts dating to the Canadian Football League championship game in 2007. The stadium will also be dry on April 21 when Toronto plays Texas, and for a CFL game on Aug. 1.

Both affected baseball games fell on dates when the price of upper deck seats was cut to $4, a promotion called "Messin' With Recession." The ban covers everything from concessions, vendors and restaurants to the beer refrigerators in both locker rooms.

The Blue Jays' 12-5 win Monday was delayed nine minutes in the eighth inning when fans threw two baseballs in the direction of Detroit left fielder Josh Anderson and tossed a handful of paper planes and empty beer cups onto the field.

ELSEWHERE

Cardinals: Rookie reliever Jason Motte botched his first chance as the St. Louis closer. Because he threw so many pitches, it was likely he'd have to wait at least a day before getting another shot at making a better impression.

Motte won a three-man competition for the job in spring training. But he allowed four runs in the ninth inning of Pittsburgh's 6-4 opening-day victory Monday. Plus, he threw 29 pitches.

So before the second game of a four-game series yesterday, manager Tony La Russa told the hard-throwing right-hander to take a day off.

Twins: Minnesota catcher Mike Redmond will miss at least one game because of a pulled groin. Redmond was out of last night's lineup against Seattle after hurting himself while running out a grounder on Monday night. He will be re-evaluated today.

"We'll carry him out there if need be," manager Ron Gardenhire said. "Right now he's OK, that's barely OK."