The Toronto Blue Jays are in a hot streak, clinching their fourth consecutive series with a decisive 3-2 win over the Houston Astros on Thursday night at the Rogers Center.
In addition to the reigning World Series champions, representatives from Queen City have won their matchups against the New York Mets, Milwaukee Brewers and Minnesota Twins over the past two weeks.
The Jays game got off to a bad start. In the second inning, Alex Bregman hit a long solo and Jake Meyers scored for Kyle Tucker before being knocked out on a double play.
In addition to the 2-0 defeat, the local favorite also lost the services of Kevin Kiermaier. The outfielder was hit in the wrist by a ball and forced out of the game. However, X-rays showed no signs of a fracture, it was confirmed.
For the third game in a row, the Blue Jays had just five hits. All of their runs came in the fifth inning and were hit in quick succession by Matt Chapman, Alejandro Kirk and Brandon Belt.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. continued to be invisible while batting, but the Dominican showed his reflexes on defense. Early in the eighth inning, pitcher Erik Swanson retrieved the ball knocked to the ground by Jeremy Pena before sending it to “Vlad junior” at first base. The throw was way too high, however, but Guerrero dove, touched the pillow with his glove, and pulled out the Astros player.
Jose Berrios (6-4) was named the game-winning pitcher. In six innings on the mound, he allowed three hits to the safety spot and two walks. He spent just two opponents in the glove, his lowest total of the season.
Overall, the Jays (36-28) continue to edge closer to their rivals in the AHL East Division. Fourth, they are just one win behind the New York Yankees (37-27).
A doubly divided program
At Yankee Stadium, the home team made short work of the Chicago White Sox by defeating them 3-0 in the second game of a doubleheader. The guests emerged victorious from the first duel with 6 to 5.
The skies over New York had cleared and after days of smog due to the fires in Canada the air quality had improved enough for this game to take place. The meeting had to be canceled the day before.
Outfielder Aaron Judge continued to be absent for the Yankees after being drafted on the absentee list with a right thumb ligament injury.