Blue Jays get swept in Houston, lose 4-2

Sunday afternoon the Blue Jays entered the game losing the first three of the series. They really needed a big win from Mark Buehrle to avoid the four game sweep. The Houston Astros sent out Collin McHugh to try and pick up a big win.

Ezequiel Carrera started in the lead off spot and picked up a lead off single. Josh Donaldson advanced the runner on a sacrifice to the pitcher. Both Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion stuck out leaving the runner in scoring position.

The Astros got on the board quick with a solo one out home run by Luis Valbuena in the bottom of the first inning.

Russell Martin crushed a ground rule double to right field to lead off the bottom of the 2nd inning. Collin McHugh picked up a couple big strike outs again to escape the inning with a runner in scoring position.

Steven Tolleson hit a lead off double to start off the 3rd inning. Ezequiel Carrera advanced the runner to 3rd base with a sacrifice bunt. Josh Donaldson was hit by a pitch to put runners on 1st and 3rd with only one out. Jose Bautista hit a sacrifice fly to left field to score Steve Tolleson from 3rd base making it a 1-1 ball game. Edwin Encarnacion drew a two out walk. Russell Martin Struck out leaving both runners on base.

Chris Colabello lead off the 4th inning with a double to center field. Kevin Pillar moved the runner over to 3rd base with a ground ball. Ryan Goins hit the 2nd sacrifice fly of the game for the Blue Jays to score another run.

George Springer picked up a lead off walk to start the bottom of the 4th inning. Colby Rasmus was issued a one out walk to put two runners on base. Jonathan Villar hit a double to score a run and tie up the ball game.

Russell Martin hit a one out single in the top of the 6th but was stranded on base.

Colby Rasmus took the lead for the Astros with a solo home run in the bottom of the 6th inning.

Game Notes:

• The offense picked up lead off hits in the first four innings. They did convert two for runs but should have had more.
• Yesterdays game the offense left 8 runners on base. Today they left 14 on base. That is a troubling stat that cannot continue if the Blue Jays want to make a push in the AL East.
• Mark Buehrle tossed a complete game. This is what is needed going forward. While he did not get the win he kept the game close and the offense just couldn’t pick up enough.
• Devon Travis was out of the game. Steve Tolleson came in and played well picking up 2 hits and a run.

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