Houston @ Toronto preview
Rogers Centre
Last Meeting ( Jul 27, 2013 ) Houston 8, Toronto 6
The Houston Astros haven't had much to celebrate since switching to the American League this season. The Astros attempt to snap a seven-series losing skid when they vie for a four-game split with a victory against the host Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday. Houston belted three homers en route to Saturday's 8-6 triumph, which was just its fifth win in 24 outings.
Toronto, which fell for the eighth time in 10 games, also went deep three times on Saturday as the teams have combined to launch 12 homers in the series. Edwin Encarnacion, who went deep twice on Friday, collected four singles the following day to improve to 8-for-10 with four runs and six RBIs in the series. The Blue Jays will attempt to win their first series since taking two of three against Minnesota on July 5-7.
TV: 1:07 p.m. ET, CSN (Houston), RSN (Toronto)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Jarred Cosart (1-0, 0.60 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Todd Redmond (1-1, 4.43)
Cosart has authored a pair of gems in his two starts this season. After taking a no-hitter into the seventh inning in his debut against Tampa Bay, the rookie permitted two runs (one earned) on seven hits in seven frames to settle for a no-decision versus Oakland on Tuesday. Cosart has issued three walks in both outings.
Redmond yielded three runs and struck out six in consecutive outings, but settled for no-decisions. The 28-year-old extended his innings in his last trip to the mound, going 5 2/3 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Redmond has allowed four of his five homers in his three starts.
WALK-OFFS
1. Houston LF/1B Chris Carter's three-run homer in the first inning on Saturday snapped a nine-game drought without a blast.
2. Toronto CF Colby Rasmus, who homered on Saturday, has six hits in the series and is batting .375 in July.
3. Astros 2B Jose Altuve exited Saturday's game with a sore left quadriceps. Jake Elmore will take his place as Altuve is scheduled to have Sunday off.
PREDICTION: Blue Jays 4, Astros 3