Peña's 2-run homer in 10th leads Astros over Blue Jays 8-7

HOUSTON (AP) — On the verge of being swept at home Sunday, the Houston Astros got a huge swing from an emerging talent.

Rookie Jeremy Peña hit a two-run homer in the 10th inning to lift the Astros to an 8-7 win over the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Astros snapped a four-game skid and ended Toronto's four-game winning streak.

“That was a big game for us to win,” manager Dusty Baker said. “You never want to get swept, especially at home. That was a big home run ... boy, we needed that one badly."

Kyle Tucker was on second as the automatic runner with one out when Peña connected off closer Jordan Romano (0-1) for a drive to center field. Romano had converted a franchise record 31 save chances in a row.

Peña, taking over as the Astros shortstop this season after the departure of Carlos Correa, hit his third home run of the year.

“It was awesome," Peña said. “You want to feel like you contributed to the team. And I’m glad we got the (win)."

Romano leads the majors with eight saves this season and it was the first time he's blown a save since April 8, 2021.

“That guy is a tough pitcher," Baker said. “(Peña) got a good one, he got one of the best and also got his first walk-off hit, walk-off homer. That was great for our team, great for our city, and great for the fans that stuck around to see that ball game."

Bo Bichette started the Toronto 10th on second before Bryan Abreu walked Vladimir Guerrero Jr. There was one out in the inning when Lourdes Gurriel Jr. doubled to the left field corner to make it 7-6.

Blake Taylor (1-1) got the win.

Michael Brantley hit a two-run homer to help the Astros salvage a 2-4 record in their first homestand of the season.

Zack Collins hit a three-run homer in the sixth and Gurriel added a solo home...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Pe-a-s-2-run-homer-in-10th-leads-Astros-over-17123453.php