Blue Jays drop 3rd straight in Houston, lose 6-5

Saturday night the Blue Jays and Astros played the 3rd game of a four game set. Houston started off the series picking up the first two games. The Blue Jays started Marco Estrada and the Astros sent out Scott Feldman.

Josh Donaldson picked up the first hit of the game with a one out double to right field in the top of the first inning. Josh quickly moved to 3rd base on wild pitch. Jose Bautista followed that up with a walk. Setting up first and third for Russell Martin. Russell picked up his first triple of the season and picked up 2 RBI. Justin Smoak hit a solid single to right field scoring Russell Martin. The Blue Jays came out and took an early 3-0 lead.

In the bottom of the first inning the Astros were able to get a couple base runners on two singles but key strike outs by Estrada kept Houston off the board.

With two out in the bottom of the 2nd inning Devon Travis hit a solid double to right center and was able to advance to 3rd base on an error by George Springer. Josh Donaldson drew a walk putting two runners on base with two outs. Jose Bautista hit a dribbler to the pitcher to strand both of the runners on base.

Jose Altuve drew a lead off walk in the bottom of the 3rd inning. Jose advanced to 2nd base on a wild pitch by Estrada. Evan Gattis hit a no doubt home run to left field scoring 2 runs. The Astros cut the lead down to 3-2.

Marco Estrada got some hand shakes all round after the 5th inning ended. Jeff Francis came in to pitch the 6th inning. Preston Tucker hit a lead off single in the 6th inning. Colby Rasmus followed that up with a ground rule double to center field. Liam Hendricks came into the game after Jeff Francis was unable to retire a batter. Chris Carter hit a three run home run to give the Astros the lead. Marwin Gonzalez kept the 6th inning going with a home run of his own to right field giving the Astros a 6-3 lead.

Ryan Goins picked up a one out single in the top of the 7th inning. Josh Donaldson was able to get a walk off of Josh Fields. Jose Bautista struck out to end the inning stranding both runners on base.

Colby Rasmus hit a lead off single in the 8th inning. A Russell Martin pass ball allowed Colby to advance to 2nd base. Colby was stranded on base after Brett Cecil was able to get out of the inning.

Ezequiel Carrera drew a walk in the top of the 9th. Edwin Encarnacion came into the game and hit a pinch hit 2 run home run. The lead was cut down to 1 run but they could not muster any more offense.

Game Notes:

• Marco Estrada pitched fairly well but did not factor into the decision after the bullpen gave up the lead.
• After getting a great start to the game the offense could not really get going. Scott Feldman got into a groove picking up 10 K against the Jays in only 6.2 IP.
• Jose Bautista had 4 of the 8 total runners left on base.
• Devon Travis left the game in the 7th inning after striking out awkwardly. Early reports have it as left shoulder issues.
• The bullpen blew another lead. They had 3 pitchers combine for 3 IP, 4 ER, 5 H, and 5 K.

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