Berrios makes quality start as Blue Jays edge Astros for 9th win in 11 games

Jose Berrios delivered a quality start and the Blue Jays' three-run fifth inning held up as Toronto edged the visiting Houston Astros 3-2 on Thursday night.

Brandon Belt drove in Matt Chapman with a single for the go-ahead run against Houston starter Framber Valdez (6-5). The Blue Jays extended their winning streak to three games and have won nine of their last 11.

Yimi Garcia, Erik Swanson and Jordan Romano each worked a scoreless frame. Romano, from Markham, Ont., threw a 1-2-3 ninth for his 17th save.

Astros cleanup hitter Alex Bregman opened the scoring in the second inning with a solo shot, his ninth home run of the season. Berrios gave up a walk and two singles to load the bases but kept the damage to a minimum with a run-scoring double-play and groundout.

THATS 2x ALLSTAR JOSE BERRIOS!!!! <a href="https://t.co/f4JSaBgtkz">pic.twitter.com/f4JSaBgtkz</a>

Toronto centre-fielder Kevin Kiermaier was hit by a pitch in the bottom half of the frame. He was pulled from the game in the fourth inning and replaced by Daulton Varsho.

The Blue Jays said precautionary X-rays were negative and that Kiermaier had a left wrist contusion. Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez (right oblique discomfort) also left the game early.

Valdez issued three walks in the fifth inning and it proved costly. Chapman grounded into a forceout with the bases loaded to bring Varsho home.

Alejandro Kirk followed with a ground-rule double that scored Bo Bichette. Belt's RBI single broke the tie before Kirk was thrown out at the plate.

Houston reliever Phil Maton put two runners in scoring position in the sixth inning but escaped thanks to a slick defensive play by Bregman. The third baseman bare-handed a slow roller by Bichette and threw him out to save a run.