Blue Jays Put an End to Astros’ 6-Game Winning Streak with 3-1 Win
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By Harry Kettle
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- Proof-checked
Summary:
- Alejandro Kirk’s solo home run helped the Toronto Blue Jays build an early lead in a 3-to-1 victory over the Houston Astros.
- Shane Bieber allowed one run over 5 2/3 innings before the Blue Jays bullpen shut the door.
- Houston stranded 13 runners as its six-game winning streak came to an end.
The Toronto Blue Jays didn’t hesitate to put a stop to the Houston Astros’ six-game winning streak with a 3-to-1 victory on Monday night. John Schneider’s side used timely hitting to grab the win, with help from yet another solid performance from Shane Bieber who has to step up after the trade of Kevin Gausman.
Kirk Set the Tone
Alejandro Kirk was the one who gave Toronto an early spark, leading off the second inning with a solo home run and setting the tone for an offense that did just what it needed to do to support its pitching staff.
Bieber improved to 3-2 after rebounding from a difficult outing in which he issued a career-high six walks. The veteran right-hander allowed nine hits but limited the damage to just one run over 5 2/3 innings while striking out key hitters at important moments. He also walked two.
Houston threatened throughout the game but struggled to deliver the big hit, finishing without an extra base hit and leaving 13 runners stranded.
The Blue Jays managed to extend their lead in the fourth inning when Kazuma Okamoto and George Springer opened the frame with back-to-back singles. Jesús Sánchez followed with an RBI single to score Okamoto before Ernie Clement added a sacrifice fly that brought Springer home and pushed Toronto’s advantage to 3-to-0.
Astros Got on the Board in the Sixth Inning
The Astros finally got on the scoreboard in the sixth inning after Jeremy Peña delivered an RBI single with two outs. The hit ended Bieber’s night and cut the deficit to 3- 1.
Toronto reliever Braydon Fisher entered with two runners aboard and intentionally walked Yordan Alvarez, who leads the majors with 23 intentional walks this season, to load the bases. Fisher escaped the jam by retiring Isaac Paredes on a fly ball.
Houston had another opportunity in the eighth inning, but Brendon Little struck out Alvarez with a runner on first to preserve the two run lead.
Tyler Rogers closed the game with a scoreless ninth inning to earn his third save of the season.
Cristian Javier took the loss for Houston after allowing three runs on seven hits across six innings. Tatsuya Imai followed with an impressive relief appearance, striking out five over three hitless innings after making his first major league bullpen outing following 15 starts this season.
The game also marked the Astros debut of center fielder Daulton Varsho, who joined Houston earlier in the day in a trade that sent right-hander Spencer Arrighetti to Toronto. Varsho singled, walked and batted cleanup as Houston looks to strengthen an outfield that has struggled to produce offensively.
The series continues Tuesday with Toronto expected to start Trey Yesavage against Houston right-hander Hayden Wesneski. Get all the best odds ahead of the game with the best baseball odds from selected sportsbooks.
Harry Kettle
Author
betting.ca
