It was just one game in a season of 162. Right?

That’s the pragmatic, self-preservation conclusion the Blue Jays would have tried to take with them on what had to be a gloomy charter flight out of Houston on Sunday night.

It’s about the only way to stay on the level through the rigours of a season that must at times seem endless, but almost every day affords a new opportunity.

Still, there was no denying that Sunday’s 7-6 walk off loss to the Houston Astros left a mark on the Jays, a stain that may be tough to expunge for the rest of the season.

Quite frankly, there have been too many ridiculous losses among the 59 losses in the 111 plays this season, games that were well in control only to be handed back. It’s only one reason they’re in the mess that they’re in, but a significant one.

To recap, Sunday had the opportunity to be a momentum-building victory for the Jays, one that might keep the flicker of playoff hope alive. It would have been the seventh win in 10 games and better yet, clinched a 4-3 season series decision over the best team in the American League.

So enter all-star closer Roberto Osuna with a three-run lead in the bottom of the ninth and a chance to clinch a win that would have moved his team to within 4½ games of an AL wild-card spot. Would have been a nice thing to take back for a 10-game homestand that begins Tuesday against the Yankees.

And then the 2017 Jays happened.

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