Blue Jays take series with 4-1 win over Astros

The Blue Jays were able to pick up another valuable win against a potential contender, beating the Astros on Thursday for a 4-1 series victory.

On Thursday night the Blue Jays sent J.A. Happ to the hill against Mike Fiers hoping to win their third straight and third straight series. Happ has had an outstanding season in his return to Toronto, and continued that dominance in his 22nd start of the season.

The Jays didn’t waste much time getting out front, taking a 1-0 lead in the first inning. Devon Travis continued swinging a strong bat and doubled to centre to lead off the game. He advanced to third on a Jose Bautista fly out, before scoring on a groundout by Josh Donaldson.

The score remained that way until the 5th inning when Russell Martin lead off with an infield single. Martin advanced to second on a wild pitch from Friers and continued to 3rd after Troy Tulowitzki singled in his return from injury several days ago. After Fiers was charged with another wild pitch, Martin scored to make it 2-0 and give Happ all he would need on this Thursday night.

The Astros were able to get to the lefty in the 5th after Evan Gattis lead off the inning with a double. After striking out Carlos Gomez and getting former Blue Jay Colby Rasmus to fly out, Tyler White traded places with Gattis and put the Astros on the board.

Happ was able to escape a bit of trouble in the 6th inning, his last, with runners on the corners and one out. The American League wins leader was able to get Carlos Correa to ground into a 6-4-3 double play.

Joaquin Benoit was able to pitch a clean 7th inning, continuing his perfect record since joining the Blue Jays in a trade from the Seattle Mariners.

The Blue Jays were able to add an insurance run in the 8th inning against Will Harris, whose recent struggles continued on Thursday. After Justin Smoak reached on an opposite field, ground-rule double, Kevin Pillar hit into a fielder’s choice, erasing Smoak from scoring position. Pillar promptly stole second base, and then reached third on yet another wild pitch from the Astros. Devon Travis came through once again with an RBI single to centre, scoring Pillar.

Jason Grilli came on to pitch the 8th inning and retired the side quickly, also continuing his strong performance since joining the Blue Jays with another scoreless inning. Edwin Encarnacion added his 30th home run of the year in the 9th, putting the icing on the cake for the Jays. Roberto Osuna walked the opening batter before striking out the strike in the ninth for his 24th save of the season.

Next: Shapiro/Atkins One Year (Almost) Report Card

The Jays open a three game set in Kansas City against the Royals on Friday night. The Blue Jays will send new acquisition Francisco Liriano to the bump against Dillon Gee to open the series. Liriano was acquired on Monday from the Pittsburgh Pirates along with two prospects, in exchange for Drew Hutchison.