Astros 5, Blue Jays 2
Chris Johnson hit a tiebreaking two-run homer in the top of the ninth inning as the Houston Astros rallied to beat the host Toronto Blue Jays 5-2 Friday night.
The Astros (16-29) couldn't do anything against Toronto starter Jo-Jo Reyes but struck for five runs against a trio of Blue Jays relievers to halt a five-game losing skid. Hunter Pence delivered a two-out, two-run double in the eighth off Jon Rauch to tie it and set the stage for Johnson.
Reyes had his strongest outing of the season, but the Blue Jays bullpen couldn't hold the lead as he saw his winless start streak extended to 27 starts. The veteran lefty scattered five hits over seven shutout innings, walking one and striking out seven.
Reyes hasn't won since June 13, 2008 when he was a member of the Atlanta Braves, and is now just one start shy of equaling the major-league record set by Oakland's Matt Keough in 1978-79.
Houston's Wilton Lopez (1-1) struck out the side in the eighth inning to earn the win, while Mark Melancon worked a scoreless ninth for his second save.
Frank Francisco (1-1) surrendered Johnson's go-ahead homer to take the loss. The Toronto closer has surrendered three homers in his last six appearances.
Astros starter Aneury Rodriguez allowed two runs on eight hits over 5 1/3 innings, walking one and striking out three.
Aaron Hill had three hits and scored a run for the Jays (22-22).