Astros pummel Jays 16-7
Tyler White homers twice in rout

Marwin goes deep in 9-run 4th
(c) Associated Press

The last time the Astros and Blue Jays met Houston enjoyed a franchise best 19-1 blowout win in Toronto in the last game before the 2017 All-Star break. Friday night at Minute Maid Park wasn't much different as the Astros delivered a 16-7 thumping of the Jays.

Coincidently, Brad Peacock was on the mound for both lopsided wins. Although Friday's start was one of his worst of the year, Peacock took advantage of the run support to notch his team high tenth win of the season. Brad helped a struggling Astros bullpen get a little rest and relaxation by logging six innings in the game. Joe Musgrove, Reymin Guduan, and James Hoyt each provided one inning of shutout relief to finish off the Jays.

The Astros' offense was the story of the night. Houston's 18-hit attack featured five home runs, including a pair from first-baseman Tyler White. With Jose Altuve getting the night off every infield starter joined in on the longball party. Yuli Gurriel (3B) got the scoring started with a 2-run blast in the first inning. In Houston's 9-run fourth inning Alex Bregman (SS) clubbed a 2-run shot and Marwin Gonzalez (2B) connected on a 3-run jack.

Josh Reddick enjoyed a 3-hit night and Brian McCann equalled Gurriel and White by scoring three runs in the game. Carlos Beltran contributed from the DH position with two hits and two runs scored. The Astros also drew seven walks off Toronto pitching.

While it only counts as one win in the standings the Astros hope to grab some momentum after dropping three straight games to the Rays earlier in the week. Charlie Morton will be on the mound Saturday when the two teams meet in game 2 of the 3-game series at 6:10 CDT. Marco Estrada gets the start for Toronto.

- Greg Thurston