Osuna keeps shining as Blue Jays beat Astros
Toronto closer earns 21st consecutive save
— With the all-star break just around the corner, Blue Jays manager John Gibbons knows his team needs to win games if they’re going to stay in the hunt for a playoff spot.
That’s why he turned to closer Roberto Osuna for a third straight day on Thursday as Toronto used a five-run fifth inning to defeat the MLB-best Houston Astros 7-4.
Osuna picked up his 22nd save of the season and 21st consecutive overall, which tied Billy Koch for the fourth longest save streak in franchise history.
“A closer’s got to be able to go three in a row. I just don’t think he’s had the chance all year, that’s why he hasn’t done it,” said Gibbons. “I said the other day, I think it’s as good as I’ve ever seen him.”
Catcher Russell Martin, who had three hits including a solo home run, continues to be impressed by his star 22-year-old reliever. He said it appears as though Osuna’s demeanour on the mound is consistent.
“It looks like he believes he’s going to make a pitch every single time,” said Martin, whose sixth-inning blast was his second long ball in as many days.
Kendrys Morales added an RBI double and scored twice for the Blue Jays (40-45), who won their third straight. The win also ended Toronto’s five-game losing streak at home in its last series before the all-star break.
Francisco Liriano (5-4) threw six-plus innings while allowing three runs on nine hits and striking out four on a warm summer evening at Rogers Centre.
Lance McCullers Jr., (7-2) took the loss after giving up six runs — five earned — on nine hits and walking two over 4 1/3 innings for the Astros (58-28), who had a four-game winning streak snapped.