The largest crowd at Minute Maid Park this season (25,410) gave the Houston Astros the welcome home gift they needed which was some positive energy, especially having to endure all of the negativity and vitriol spewed their way in New York at Yankees Stadium. Houston (17-15) responded by defeating the Toronto Blue Jays (16-15) by a score of 10-4.

First baseman Yuli Gurriel tied a career high by going 4-for-4 at the plate while also driving in four runs. He has been a very steady bat in the lineup for the Astros this year as he leads the team in batting average (.342) hits (39) and RBIs (24).

“I’m having a lot of fun,” said Gurriel about this season. “More than anything, just being able to help the team win makes me very happy. I’m glad we got going and were able to win a ballgame. Just being able to help and contribute that little bit makes me feel really good.”

Gurriel wasn’t the only player that felt good for the Astros on Friday night. Starting pitcher José Urquidy went seven innings only allowing two runs. He improved his record to 3-2 winning his last three starts only allowing four runs which were all solo home runs.

“I threw a lot of strikes and had confidence in all my stuff and throw everything through the zone,” Urquidy said about his pitching performance. “I just follow the plan and try to have a good game.”

Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker was also proud of the way his starting pitcher controlled the game.

"He gave up the two home runs, but other than that he was masterful," Baker said. "He had an outstanding changeup. He has been using his changeup more and that keeps them off his fastball."

Game 2 of the three-game series takes place on Saturday at Minute Maid Park. First pitch is at 6:10 p.m.