The Toronto Blue Jays beat the Houston Astros on Thursday afternoon to take the rubber match between the two teams. The Blue Jays' victory came on the back of pitcher Kevin Gausman, who delivered a complete game shutout.
The Blue Jays win ties them with the Detroit Tigers, who play later on Thursday, for the best record in the American League. Meanwhile, the loss for the Astros puts them at risk of falling into a tie atop the AL West with the Seattle Mariners, if the Mariners win on Thursday night.
The Blue Jays gave their ace early run support with 3 runs through the first two innings and five runs through four innings. However, one run was all Gausman needed as he silenced the Astros for his second career complete game shutout.
Gausman Shines in Fourth Career Complete Game
Gausman has put together a very impressive 13-year career in the MLB, with his last four seasons being in Toronto. The Blue Jays starter has a career 3.82 ERA, and a 3.49 ERA in his four years in Toronto.
Gausman had held his ERA under four for the last five years and is on his way to make it six straight seasons in 2025. The veteran starter lowered his season ERA to 3.45 on Thursday, behind nine scoreless innings.
The Blue Jays' starter gave up just two hits and a walk in his fourth career complete game, and second career complete game shutout. When he went out for the ninth inning, he received a loud ovation from the home crowd.
NINE Strikeouts.
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) September 11, 2025
NINE Shutty.
100 Pitches.
Salute, @KevinGausman 🫡 #lightsupletsgo pic.twitter.com/ivhxwKLt2X
"That was awesome. Hats off to you guys. That was incredible. I was trying to keep my emotions in check during all that," Gausman said. "Honestly, I thought I was going to be throwing 105 (mph), that's how amazing I felt out there. Thanks you guys. That was awesome. That's all we want as a player."
Gausman has had a strong season, but his last few starts have been on another level. The Blue Jays starter has allowed two runs over his last 24 innings pitched, and he has 22 strikeouts during that span.
✔️ 4th Career Complete Game
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) September 11, 2025
✔️ 2nd Career CG Shutout
One of the greatest performances in franchise history. @KevinGausman 💪💪 pic.twitter.com/cQjsTFOQUY
In his last 10 starts, Gausman has thrown seven quality starts. The Blue Jays have positioned themselves right with the Tigers for a battle for the No. 1 seed in the AL, and their second half push has been led by their ace on the mound.
As for the Astros, Houston dropped its third straight series with the loss on Thursday, and scored a total of six runs in its three games against the Blue Jays.
While the Blue Jays battle for the No. 1 seed, the Astros need to figure things out to stay atop the AL West with 15 games remaining.