Jose Reyes is congratulated by Jose Bautista after hitting a home run during last night’s game against Houston.Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images
While his defensive capabilities at shortstop remain a hot topic, there is no arguing that Jose Reyes still swings a dangerous bat.
The 31-year-old teed off on a Roberto Hernandez changeup that ignited a five-run third inning and lifted the Toronto Blue Jays (26-30) to a 6-2 win against the Houston Astros (34-22) at Rogers Centre on Friday night.
After a Kevin Pillar infield single, Reyes connected on his first pitch from Hernandez, a shot that quickly carried over the right-field wall and provided the Blue Jays with a 2-0 lead.
The homer was the first of the season for Reyes, who was playing in just his 26th game after being sidelined with a cracked rib.
After a Josh Donaldson single, Jose Bautista then hit a home run to left, a moon shot that made the score 4-0.
Chris Colabello, who extended his hit streak to 15 games with a double in the second inning, then singled to drive in the fifth Toronto run of the inning.
Colabello went 3-for-4. His hit streak is the longest by any Blue Jay since Scott Rolen in 2009 (25 games).
It was more than enough support for Aaron Sanchez (5-4), the Toronto starter who gets stronger with each outing.
The rookie handled the Astros, who have the American League's best record, with ease, giving up two runs and six hits over eight-plus innings of work.
Houston scored two runs in the ninth.