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| George Springer stole a pair of bases in a 7-0 shutout loss to the Astros |
After an ugly loss to end the homestand with starter Easton Lucas, who was optioned to AAA-ball (lefty Josh Walker was recalled from AAA-ball) being unable to escape the 2nd inning and the Blue Jays being unable to drive in runners on a consistent basis, the Blue Jays embarked on a tough road trips with stops in Houston and New York, starting in the lone star state tonight. The Astros won the season series 5-2 in 2024, outscoring the Blue Jays 42-15. Kevin Gausman was on the bump with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. Alan Roden was in LF, Myles Straw was in CF and George Springer was in RF. Ernie Clement was at the hot corner. Could the Blue Jays snap the 2-game skid and start the week and road trip on a winning note? Here is tonight's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- The Astros opened the scoring in the bottom of the 5th as Zach Dezenzo doubled scoring Cam Smith
- A batter later, Jose Altuve doubled scoring Dezenzo and Brendan Rodgers
- Two batters later, Isaac Paredes singled home Altuve
- Kevin Gausman pitching line: 6IP 6H 4R (all earned) 4BB 6K 96 pitches (61 for strikes)
- The Astros added a run in the bottom of the 7th as Yordan Alvarez singled scoring Dezenzo
- Hunter Brown pitching line: 7IP 2H 0R 1BB 96 pitches (62 for strikes)
- The Astros added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 8th as Rodgers doubled scoring Yainer Diaz and Jeremy Pena
- Final score: Astros 7 Blue Jays 0
My Take:
- Kevin Gausman battled through 6 innings, giving up 4 runs on 6 hits while walking 4 and striking out 6. He pitched well enough to keep a dangerous Astros lineup off the scoreboard until the 5th inning when the Astros scored 4 times on 5 hits and an intentional walk.Getting 6 innings out of Gausman was important since the Blue Jays bullpen has been busy lately.
- Lefty Josh Walker got the last 2 innings, giving up 3 more runs on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 3. Smart of the Blue Jays not to waste any other reliever with the game out of reach
- Offensively, the Blue Jays did nothing and squandered their best, and pretty much only chance, in the 2nd inning after George Springer led off the inning and stole two bases with none out.
- The Blue Jays were 0-3 with runners in scoring position
- Up next, the Blue Jays try to snap the 3-game skid and even the series. Chris Bassitt starts against Astros righty Ronel Blanco
