Astros vs Blue Jays Picks and Prediction – 6/8/2023

The Houston Astros finish off a four-game set Thursday night in Toronto against the Toronto Blue Jays. Houston comes into Thursday 11 games above .500 on the year after losing their last game to this Toronto team by four runs. Hunter Brown got the start for Houston giving up three runs on three hits across six innings of work leading to the loss. The Houston bullpen struggled as well giving up two more runs on two hits over the final two innings of the game. 

Offensively, Houston was terrible from the plate with only four hits in 38 at bats including none with runners in scoring position to leave three men on base. Leadoff man Mauricio Dubon was the only spark in the Houston lineup with two hits in four at bats including a solo home run in the first inning to plate the only run of the game for the Astros. Corey Julks provided two hits in three at bats as the only other Houston player to record a hit.

The Toronto Blue Jays remain at home Thursday night six games above .500 after winning four of the last five following the win in game two of this series. Kevin Gausman got the start and win for Toronto giving up just one run on four hits across 7 innings of work. The Toronto bullpen was fantastic as well allowing nothing on no hits over the final two innings of the game. 

Offensively Toronto did just enough with five hits in 28 at bats including one with runners in scoring position to plate five runs in the game. George Springer led the way for the Toronto offense with a two run home run in the fourth inning. Bo Bichette and Daulton Varsho chipped in for Toronto as well hitting one home run apiece. Will Merrifield finished the game off with one hit and three at bats to drive in the fifth run of the game.