Thu Sep 11 19:00:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided information, along with analysis on the upcoming game:

**Blue Jays and Astros Clash in Series Finale with Playoff Implications**

TORONTO – The Toronto Blue Jays (83-62) will host the Houston Astros (79-67) today at Rogers Centre at 3:07 p.m. ET (MLB Network) in the final game of their three-game series. Both teams are battling for playoff positioning, with the Blue Jays leading the AL East by 3 games and the Astros holding a narrow 1-game lead in the AL West.

The Astros snapped a two-game losing streak Wednesday with a 3-2 victory, highlighted by a game-winning solo home run from catcher Yainer Diaz in the ninth inning against Blue Jays closer Jeff Hoffman. Starting pitcher Jason Alexander delivered seven scoreless innings, but the bullpen faltered, allowing two runs in the eighth. Hoffman’s struggles continue, as he has surrendered the most home runs (15) among AL relievers this season.

The Blue Jays, looking to rebound from their recent slump of three losses in four games, will rely on their strong home record (46-25) and their success against teams with winning records (46-37). Second baseman Andres Gimenez and shortstop Ernie Clement each had two hits for Toronto in Wednesday’s loss.

Right-handers Cristian Javier (1-2, 4.43 ERA) for the Astros and Kevin Gausman (9-10, 3.63 ERA) for the Blue Jays are slated to start. Gausman has a strong WHIP (1.03) and strikeout rate (8.6 K/9). Despite Gausman’s individual performance, the Blue Jays have lost four of his last five starts.

BetMGM Sportsbook favors the Blue Jays at -150, although the Astros are a league-leading 27-8 against the spread as road underdogs. With both games in the series decided by just one run, another close contest is anticipated. Notably, recent games involving both teams have been low-scoring affairs.

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