The Toronto Blue Jays dropped the rubber match of their three-game series against the Houston Astros, falling 3-1 at Rogers Centre on Wednesday night. A tightly contested pitchers’ duel was decided in the eighth inning when a defensive miscue allowed the go-ahead run to score.
Houston struck first in the opening inning on an RBI double by Isaac Paredes, but the Blue Jays answered immediately when Nathan Lukes launched a solo home run to tie the game at 1-1. Both clubs were then held in check for most of the evening by strong starting pitching
Toronto rookie Trey Yesavage delivered another solid outing, allowing just one run over 5⅔ innings while keeping the Astros offense under control. Houston starter Mike Burrows matched him pitch-for-pitch, surrendering only Lukes’ homer over six innings.
The decisive moment came in the eighth inning. Joey Loperfido tripled and later scored when Blue Jays reliever Jeff Hoffman made an errant pickoff throw to third base. The Astros added an insurance run in the ninth and held on for the victory behind relievers Steven Okert and Josh Hader.
Toronto threatened in the bottom of the eighth, but Houston outfielder Cam Smith made a spectacular leaping catch at the wall and doubled off Luis Urías, ending the rally and preserving the lead
Key Performers
Nathan Lukes: 1-for-3, HR, RBI
Trey Yesavage: 5⅔ IP, 1 ER
Jeff Hoffman: Loss (5-5)
Joey Loperfido (Houston): Triple, game-winning run scored
Josh Hader (Houston): Save
