Blue Jays Stave Off Elimination as Troy Tulowizki Belts 3-Run Homer

Players of the Day for Sunday, October 11, 2015

American League

Tulo's 3-run HR lifts Jays

Troy Tulowitzki's three-run homer propelled the Blue Jays to a 5-1 win in game three of their AL divisional series with the Texas Rangers, avoiding elimination after Texas had taken games one and two in Toronto.

Tulowitzki, who had been sidelined since mid-August after the Jays acquired him prior to the trade deadline, had gone hitless in the first two games of the series (0-for-10) before his 2-for-4 effort Sunday. The Jays' shortstop also recorded an RBI when he drew a bases-loaded walk in the fourth inning.

Josh Donaldson socked a solo homer in the third to get the Jays on the board. Tulowitzki's blast came in the sixth, in support of 6 1/3 strong innings from Marco Estrada, Toronto's starter, who allowed one run on five hits, fanning four.

Texas leads the series, two games to one. Game four is scheduled for Monday, at 4:00 pm EDT.

In Houston, the Astros defeated the Royals to put Kansas City on the brink of elimination, winning by a 4-2 score. Chris Carter went 3-for-3 with a solo homer. Game four is Monday at 1:00 pm EDT.

National League

There were no NL games Sunday. Both NLDS - Dodgers at Mets, Cardinals at Chicago - resume Monday with game three in each series. Both are tied one game apiece.