Blue Jays top Astros as Aaron Sanchez bounces back

The Toronto Blue Jays got back on track with a strong start from Aaron Sanchez and some timely hitting on Saturday afternoon, topping the Houston Astros 4-2

Josh Donaldson launched his 28th home run of the season to deep left-centre field in the bottom of the first inning to get the Blue Jays started.

Toronto was held quiet by Collin McHugh throughout the bulk of the game, but finally broke through in the bottom of the sixth. Russell Martin took a hanging breaking ball to straight-away centre for a three-run home run to score Edwin Encarnacion and Michael Saunders, who had reached on a well-timed bunt down the left-field line.

Sanchez bounced back from his last outing with a strong seven innings. The right-hander allowed just two earned runs on five hits, walking three and striking out six. His start looked to be headed in the wrong direction early, though, before he found a groove.

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With runners on second and third in the top of the first inning, Carlos Correa opened the scoring against Sanchez by guiding a double into the left field corner that scored two.

Jason Grilli was the first reliever out of the bullpen for the Blue Jays and continued to look right at home in the setup role. In one inning of work, Grilli struck out three and allowed a triple to Altuve that Saunders missed on a sliding attempt. Following an inning-ending strikeout, he left the mound with a series of fist pumps that were impressive even by Grilli’s standards.

Roberto Osuna entered for the ninth and earned his 26th save of the season, tying Terry Forster for the most saves in MLB history before the age of 22 with 46.

Earlier in the game, Russell Martin threw out Jose Altuve trying to steal a base for the second consecutive day with a throw that went right to the bag.

The series finale goes on Sunday afternoon at 1:07 p.m. Eastern Time. Marcus Stroman (8-5, 4.76 ERA) is scheduled to face Mike Fiers (8-5, 4.46 ERA).