On Wednesday, September 27, 2023, the Houston Astros claimed a narrow 3-2 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays, thanks in part to a crucial ninth-inning home run by catcher Yainer Diaz. This win was significant for Houston (79-67) as they continue to compete vigorously in the American League West pennant race.
Diaz's performance also included an RBI double in the second inning, contributing to the Astros' early lead. Carlos Correa, who recently returned to Houston after a stint with the Minnesota Twins, bolstered the team's offense with a solo home run in the sixth inning. This marked Correa's 200th career home run in the Major Leagues, highlighting his consistent power hitting throughout his 11-year career, with 13 homers this season across both teams.
On the pitching side, Jason Alexander was impressive, delivering seven scoreless innings while allowing only three hits, striking out three, and walking one. The Astros' bullpen was effective as well, featuring the performances of Steven Okert, Enyel De Los Santos, and Bryan Abreu. De Los Santos (6-3) was credited with the win after Diaz's game-winning home run, while closer Bryan Abreu secured his fifth save of the season.
Despite Houston's strong lead, the game took a turn in the eighth inning when the Blue Jays (83-62) mounted a late comeback. Andrés Gimenez and Nathan Lukes each contributed with an RBI single, tying the game at 2-2 and creating a tense atmosphere as Toronto sought to secure a second consecutive win over the Astros.
Prior to the Blue Jays' rally, they struggled offensively, failing to register a hit in the first five innings of Tuesday’s game and only managing a single from Ernie Clement in the second inning. Their inability to capitalize early was reminiscent of their performance in Tuesday's extra-innings victory, where they only scratched out runs late in the game.
Starting pitcher José Berrios faced challenges as well, allowing two runs on five hits and a walk over 5 1/3 innings. He struck out four batters and was removed after serving up the homer to Correa. The Blue Jays’ bullpen, featuring Braydon Fisher, Louis Varland, and Brendon Little, worked well together to combine 2 2/3 innings of scoreless relief. However, closer Jeff Hoffman (9-7) was unable to maintain the game’s tied status, surrendering the late home run to Diaz, thus suffering the loss.
The key moment in the game came in the sixth inning when Gimenez led off with a single. However, a critical video review led to an overturned call on George Springer, who was initially safe and ultimately ruled out, turning a potential rally into a double play for Houston. This decision stifled Toronto’s momentum and allowed the Astros to maintain their lead.
Notably, despite the loss, the Blue Jays still held a three-game lead atop the AL East standings. Their position was secured as the New York Yankees fell to the Detroit Tigers 11-1 and the Boston Red Sox lost to the Oakland Athletics 5-4, mitigating the effect of their defeat against the Astros.
Looking ahead, the Toronto Blue Jays will send Kevin Gausman (9-10) to the mound as they aim to conclude their three-game series against Houston. The Astros will counter with Cristian Javier (1-2) in what promises to be an exciting season finale.
