Astros Sweep ‍Blue Jays in 3-1 Victory at Minute‍ Maid Park

HOUSTON (AP) ⁣— Christian Walker’s ⁣home run ‍in the⁣ second inning propelled ⁣the Houston Astros to a 3-1 victory ⁤over the Toronto Blue Jays on ⁣Wednesday night at Minute Maid Park. The Astros completed a⁣ three-game sweep of the Blue Jays, who have now lost ⁣their last five contests.

This marks the first time the Astros have swept the ‍Blue Jays since May 17, 2015.

Key Plays of the Game

Walker initiated ‍the⁢ scoring in the second inning with a home run ⁤off blue Jays’ pitcher Bowden‍ Francis (2-3). ⁢Yainer Diaz followed with a ⁤triple⁣ and later ⁤scored on a single by Zach ⁤Dezenzo. Yordan Alvarez added the Astros’ third run with a sacrifice fly.

pitching Performances

Astros’ pitcher Ryan Gusto (3-1) earned the win,allowing one run on three hits while striking⁤ out ⁢six over 5 2/3 innings. Gusto has allowed ⁢three runs or fewer in each of his three starts this season.

Bryan King pitched 1 1/3⁣ scoreless innings,and Bryan Abreu⁣ followed with a scoreless eighth. Josh Hader‍ closed out the game,striking out Alejandro Kirk ‍and inducing ‍Myles Straw to ground out for his seventh⁣ save of the season.

Blue Jays’ ⁤Efforts

George Springer reached base on a walk, and Ernie Clement hit a double ‍in the ninth, but the blue ⁣Jays were⁤ unable to capitalize.

Francis surrendered three runs on eight hits in 4⁤ 2/3 innings. He has allowed three runs or fewer⁣ in four of his five⁢ starts this season.

Looking Ahead

The Blue ‍Jays have an⁢ off day Thursday before⁤ beginning a three-game series against the New York Yankees on Friday evening in New York. Jose‍ Berrios ⁤(1-1) is scheduled to start the first game for toronto.