TORONTO -- The Houston Astros are on the verge of clinching first in the American League West.
They moved one step closer by defeating the Toronto Blue Jays 5-3 Monday night in the opener of a three-game series at the Rogers Centre.
The 2017 World Series champions own a 4 1/2-game lead over the Oakland Athletics in the division.
They Astros (99-57) will start rookie right-hander Josh James (1-0, 2.81 ERA) Tuesday in the second game. The Blue Jays (71-86) will start right-hander Sam Gaviglio (3-8, 5.