| Brandon Belt drove in the game winning run in a 3-2 come-from behind win over the Astros |
After a huge comeback win over the Astros, thanks to 8 stellar innings from new papa Chris Bassitt and a clutch RBI single from Alejandro Kirk, the Blue Jays were trying to extend the win streak to 3 games, notch their 13th series win of the season and completed their 5th season series win of the season. Jose Berrios got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Whit Merrifield was in LF and Santiago Espinal was at 2B. The rest of the lineup was the same as yesterday/ Could the Blue Jays make it three straight wins, 13 series wins and complete their 5th season series win of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- The Astros opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Alex Bregman hammered a solo HR to left
- Four batters later, Kyle Tucker scored on a double play ball hit by Jake Meyers
- The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 5th on a fielder's choice hit by Matt Chapman that scored Daulton Varsho
- A batter later, Bo Bichette scored on a ground-rul double hit by Alejandro Kirk
- A batter after that. Brandon Belt singled scoring Chapman
- Framber Valdez pitching line: 5IP 4H 3R (all earned) 4BB 5K 98 pitches (53 for strikes)
- Jose Berrios pitching line: 4H 2R (both earned) 2BB 2K 89 pitches (59 for pitches)
- Jordan Romano pitched a perfect 9th for his 17th save of the season
- Final score: Blue Jays 3 Astros 2
My Take:
- Jose Berrios threw 6 innings, giving up a pair of runs on 4 hits while walking 2 and striking out 2. He retired the final 6 batters he faced. With Alek Manoah out of the rotation for the next few starts at least, Berrios and the other 3 starters (Yusei Kikuchi, Chris Bassitt and Kevin Gausman) are going to have to get as many outs as they can with Manoah's spot likely to be a bullpen day. With more off-days scheduled in the coming weeks, the Blue Jays may be able to get by with 4 starters for a turn. I doubt Manoah will be back with the Blue Jays before the all-star break.
- The bullpen gave up a pair of hits (both by Yimi Garcia) while walking none and striking out 3 over the final 3 innings. Garcia has looked better in recent outings, so hopefully he has turned the corner on his subpar season thus far
- The offence consisted of a three-run rally in the 5th off Astros starter Framber Valdez.
- The Blue Jays were 2-9 with runners in scoring position.
- Up next, the Blue Jays go for their 4th straight win as they start a weekend set against the Twins. who they took 2 of 3 from in Minnesota, with the Blue Jays outscoring the Blue Jays 13-10. Yusei Kikuchi starts against Twins righty Sonny Gray.
