Fourth-inning error, Kirk homer lift Blue Jays past Astros 3-1

Decisive fourth

Toronto’s decisive run came in the fourth inning, when Sánchez singled to left and Okamoto scored on the play in a 3-1 win over Houston on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at Daikin Park in Houston. Sánchez was safe at second on a throwing error by left fielder Trammell, with Springer safe at third on the error.

Clement then hit a sacrifice fly to left, bringing in Springer and extending the Blue Jays’ lead to 3-0.

Kirk supplied the first run in the second inning, hitting the game’s only home run, a 373-foot drive to left-center. As the away team, Toronto scored that run in the top of the second, then added both fourth-inning runs in the top half as well.

Houston’s response

Houston’s scoring came in the bottom of the sixth. Peña singled to center, scoring Diaz, with Peña advancing to second and Smith to third. The play cut Toronto’s lead to 3-1, and the final score stayed at Toronto 3, Houston 1.

The game drew 22,789 at Daikin Park. Toronto finished with three runs in its scoring sequence: Kirk’s homer, Okamoto on the fourth-inning play and Springer on Clement’s sacrifice fly. Houston’s only run was Diaz on Peña’s single.

Pitching

Shane Bieber earned the win for Toronto, improving to 3-2. He worked 5.2 innings and allowed one earned run on nine hits with two walks and six strikeouts.

Braydon Fisher received his 10th hold after 1.0 inning with one hit allowed, two walks, no earned runs and no strikeouts. Brendon Little was credited with his first hold, allowing no hits, one walk and no earned runs while striking out four in 1.1 innings. Tyler Rogers recorded his third save with 1.0 inning, no hits, no walks, no earned runs and no strikeouts.

For Houston, Cristian Javier fell to 1-2. He allowed three earned runs on seven hits over 6.0 innings, with no walks and two strikeouts. Tatsuya Imai pitched 3.0 innings with no hits, no earned runs, no walks and five strikeouts.

Records

The Astros are 58-56 after the loss. The Blue Jays are 53-60 after the win.

Sources

https://www.espn.com/mlb/game/_/gameId/401816382