Astros walk-off Blue Jays with 2-run homer to avoid sweep

The Houston Astros were on the brink of losing at home Sunday when they received a tremendous swing from an emerging talent.

Rookie Jeremy Pena drove in two runs in the 10th inning for an Astros win over the Toronto Blue Jays.

Toronto’s four-game winning streak was ended by the Astros, who snapped a four game skid.

Dusty Baker, manager of the team, said that it was a difficult game to win. said. “Never want to be swept away, especially at home.” It was a huge home run… we needed it badly.”

Kyle Tucker was on second as the automatic runner with one out when Pena connected off closer Jordan Romano (0-1) for a drive to centre field. Romano had converted 31 save chances in a row, a franchise record.

After Carlos Correa’s departure, Pena took over as Astros shortstop and hit his third home run.

Pena said, “It was amazing.” said. “You want to feel that you have contributed to the team. And I’m glad that we got the (win).

Romano is leading the majors in saves this season with eight. It was his first save since April 8, 2021.

Baker said, “That guy’s a tough pitcher.” said. “[Pena] got a good one, he got one of the best and also got his first walk-off hit, walk-off homer. This was great news for our team, great news for our city and great for the fans who stayed to see the game.

Bo Bichette began the Toronto 10th on 2nd, before Bryan Abreu walked Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. doubled to left field corner for 7-6.

Blake Taylor (1-1) won the victory.

To help the Astros save a record of 2-4 in their first homestand, Michael Brantley struck a two-run homer.

Zack Collins scored three runs in the sixth, while Gurriel had a solo homer for Toronto.

Manager Charlie Montoyo stated, “We had a great road trip.” said. “It’s fine. It’s not possible to win every single game. We returned and were there to the finish, and were closing the game.”

The Blue Jays had the chance to break the 6-all tie in eighth with runners at first base and second base with no outs. Rafael Montero, the reliever, struck out the next two batters. Matt Chapman then hit a grounder that Pena misplayed and loaded the bases.

Montero was able to get out of the jam even though Raimel Tapia landed.

In the eighth, the Astros missed an opportunity. Brantley doubled in the eighth with one out on a ball which rolled past Gurriel in right field as he tried to catch it. Gurriel chased Brantley down and threw it out, trying to stretch the hit.

Santiago Espinal scored an RBI double to put Toronto up 6-5 at the seventh.

Yuli Gurriel doubled for Houston’s seventh, before moving to third with a wild pitch with just one out. Aledmys Diaz hit a single in shallow left field to score Gurriel, and tie the game at 6-6.

With two outs in the sixth Collins launching his homer into right field off Luis Garcia, the Astros led by three to the Astros’ lead. This tied the score at 5-all.

Garcia had five hits, five runs, and six strikeouts over six innings.

Yusei Kikuchi gave up three hits and four runs — two earned — with five walks in 3 2/3 innings.

After Bichette’s mistake, the Astros led from the start. They scored two in their second.

Toronto didn’t have any baserunners until George Springer doubled for the fourth, before Bichette advanced to third on an error by Bichette. Springer, who was tagged by Guerrero on a sacrifice fly, brought the Blue Jays within 1 baserunner.

The fourth was one-on and one out. Brantley’s two out shot to the corner in right field increased the lead to 4-1, and chased Kikuchi.

Gurriel Jr. pitched Garcia the first pitch in the fifth inning to the seats in right field, cutting the lead down to 4-2.

Yuli Gurriel scored twice in the fifth, and Pena was able to score on an error made by Cavan Biggio, first baseman.