Derek Holland (4-3, 4.91 ERA) and the Texas Rangers go up against R.A. Dickey (11-11, 3.91 ERA) and the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 4 of the Divisional Playoffs at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The game gets underway at 4:07 p.m. ET on Monday, Oct. 12 and will air on FS1.
In his last start, Holland pitched 6.1 innings, allowing three runs, striking out six and walking three in a 5-3 victory over the Angels. The Blue Jays were unsuccessful the last time Dickey pitched. He pitched well, going 5.0 innings, allowing zero runs and striking out three in an 8-1 loss to the Orioles. Josh Donaldson (.297, 124 Rs, 42 HRs, 124 RBIs, 6 SBs) has been doing well offensively for the Blue Jays, going 2 for 3 yesterday with one run.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. The Rangers have one of the most prolific home offenses in the entire AL, averaging 5.0 runs per game.
They sport the top-ranked offense in the AL, averaging 5.5 runs per game. Toronto is one of the top hitting teams in the AL with an average of 9.1 hits per contest. Toronto has an eye for the strike zone, averaging an AL-best 3.5 walks per game. Toronto’s pitching staff has allowed an average of 5.4 runs per game during the last 10 games, higher than their season average of 4.1.
The Blue Jays have gotten the better of the Rangers in head-to-head matchups this season, going 5-4. This game will feature Dickey (RHP) on the mound against the Rangers, who have a 54-44 record when they take on a right-handed starter. Taking the hill against the Blue Jays will be the left-hander Holland. They sport a 20-15 record against southpaws.
Predictions: SU Winner – TOR
Notes
Having scored one run in their last game, the Rangers are going to have to step it up if they want to win this matchup. The Blue Jays have a 29-0 record in games where opponents scored that many runs or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Blue Jays are 13-56. The Rangers have a 20-58 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 11th in home runs, Texas has hit 174 this season. Toronto ranks second with 235 home runs.
Texas and Toronto both rank in the top five of the league in hits. Texas sits at fifth with 8.75 hits per game and Toronto ranks fourth with 9.12.
Toronto tops the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage of .796 this season. Texas ranks in the top 10 at ninth with an OPS of .737.
The Blue Jays are 55-51 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Rangers are 47-57 when they allow at least one homer.
