Good defensive work and a key pinch hit helped the Toronto Blue Jays win again on Wednesday. The performance of their starting pitcher also played an important role in the outcome of the game.
Alejandro Kirk drove in the game-changing run in the seventh inning while Chris Bassitt was effective for eight innings and the Blue Jays defeated the Houston Astros 3-2.
“All I want is to get good starts and go for as long as possible,” said Bassitt.
Bo Bichette and Brandon Belt each hit a solo homer for the Blue Jays (35-28). Ontario’s Jordan Romano worked in the ninth inning and was credited with a 16e rescue.
The Astros threatened in the ninth when Maurico Dubon started the inning with a double. However, Romano forced Jose Altuve to hit a ground ball, then Kevin Kiermaier made a nice catch to center field on a sweeping slap from Yordan Alvarez.
Romano ended the game after two hours and three minutes, pulling out Kyle Tucker on strikes.
“We didn’t do the job,” Astros manager Dusty Baker said. Their guy had a great play in center field. It is a defeat difficult to digest. »
Kirk hit a single run as pinch hitter against reliever Hector Neris in the seventh inning. Daulton Varsho crossed home from second base, giving the Blue Jays the first lead in the game.
“I think he did a really good job of making sure he got the ball up,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said of Kirk. He did a good job. »
Alvarez homered for the Astros (36-26), who have lost just eight of their last 27 games.
Bassitt (7-4) allowed two earned runs and four hits. He struck out five batters and did not walk.
“My drop ball was working well tonight,” said Bassitt, who was back after a brief paternity leave. They were aggressive against that shot. […] When I throw well and the opposing players swing, it causes a lot of quick outs. »
Alvarez opened the scoring in the fourth, banging a Bassitt shot into the stands for a two-run long ball. This was his 17e route of the season.
Bichette replied in the next half-inning with his 14e campaign trail. Belt tied the game in the sixth with his fourth four-goal slap of 2023.
Neris (3-2) came to the mound in the seventh and was penalized for a timer violation for taking his shot when he had a full count against Varsho, sending him to first base.
Varsho walked 90 feet on a walk to Kiermaier and scored on Kirk’s key hit.
The Blue Jays have won six of their last seven games. This is their 14e victory thanks to a comeback this season.