Motter, who got recalled from Triple-A Durham on Sunday, started at shortstop and batted second for the Rays.
Toronto starter J.A. Happ had just struck out Rays leadoff batter Brandon Guyer and he got ahead in the count 1-2 to Motter, who watched an 84-mph changeup pass to even the count at 2-2.
Happ then delivered a 92-mph fastball that Motter put in play softly to the right side. First baseman Justin Smoak fielded the ball, but he quickly discovered he'd drifted far from the base. Motter scooted up the line and won the race to first base to record a single and his first Major League hit in his first attempt in the bigs.