MLB: The Blue Jays beat the Astros, 3-2

TORONTO — Good work on defense and key hitting helped the Toronto Blue Jays win Wednesday. The starting pitcher’s performance also played an important role in the outcome of the game.

Alejandro Kirk drove in the seventh inning while Chris Bassett was instrumental for eight runs and the Blue Jays defeated the Houston Astros 3-2.

“All I want to do is get good starts and go as long as I can,” Bassett said.

Bo Bichette and Brandon Belt each hit a solo homer for the Blue Jays (35-28). Ontario’s Jordan Romano worked the ninth inning and was credited with 16 saves.

The Astros threatened in the ninth inning when Maurico Dupont started the inning with a double. However, Romano Jose Altuve forced a ground ball, then Kevin Kiermayer caught the ball midfield with a sweeping slap from Yordan Alvarez.

Romano ended the match after two hours and three minutes, with Kyle Tucker coming off the blow.

“We didn’t do the job,” said Astros manager Dusty Baker. Their man had a great play in center field. It’s a defeat hard to digest. »

Kirk hit one run when he was slugging against reliever Hector Neres in the seventh inning. Dolton Varshaw homered from second base, giving the Blue Jays the lead in the game.

“I thought he did a really good job making sure he got the ball,” Blue Jays coach John Schneider said of Kirk. He did a good job. »

Alvarez shone with the Astros (36-26), who have lost just 8 of their last 27 games.

Bassett (7-4) allowed two earned runs and four hits. He struck out five batters and had no walks.

“The ball I dropped worked really well tonight,” said Bassett, who returned after a brief paternity leave. They were aggressive against that shot.

“When I throw well and the opponents swing, it causes a lot of quick defeats.”

Álvarez opened the scoring in the fourth, slamming Bassett’s shot into the stands for a two-run long shot. It was his 17th home run of the season.

Bichette responded in the next inning with his 14th home run of the campaign. Belt tied game six with his fourth four-goal slap of 2023.

Neres (3-2) came to the mound in the seventh and was called for a timing offense to take his shot when he had a full count against Varshaw, sending him to first base.

Farshaw walked a 90-foot walk to Kiermayer and scored on Kirk’s main hit.

The Blue Jays have won six of their last seven games. This is their 14th victory thanks to their comeback this season.