J.A. Happ (3-0, 2.42 ERA) is on the hill for the Toronto Blue Jays (11-13) as they square off against Chris Archer (1-4, 5.47 ERA) and the Tampa Bay Rays (10-12) in the second of a three-game series at Tropicana Field. The Blue Jays won the last game 6-1, and Toronto leads the series 1-0. Action begins at 6:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, Apr. 30 and can be seen on RSN and SUN.
Archer pitched 6.2 innings in his most recent start, surrendering zero runs and striking out 10 in a 2-0 win over the Orioles. Logan Forsythe (.316, 13 Rs, 3 HRs, 8 RBIs, 3 SBs) continued his strong play yesterday, going 2 for 4 with one stolen base. Happ went 7.0 innings, surrendering three runs, striking out one and walking one in a 9-3 win over the Athletics in his last outing. Michael Saunders (.324, 13 Rs, 4 HRs, 8 RBIs) has been successful at the plate, going 2 for 5 yesterday with two runs, two home runs, and two RBIs.
The odds for Tampa Bay and Toronto are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable as of now. Within its division, Tampa Bay has a record of 9-9 SU. The Rays have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 0.0 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 0.0 runs per game. Opposing batters know they’re in for a battle when they play Tampa Bay. The Rays are one of the top teams when it comes to pitching, allowing just 0.0 runs per game. The Rays are the fourth-best team in the league at limiting hits and walks to their opponents, recording a WHIP of 1.099 so far this season.
The Blue Jays are 7-9 against AL East rivals. Offensively, the Blue Jays have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 0.0 runs per game by averaging 0.0 during that stretch. Toronto is excellent at making contact with just 9.4 strikeouts per game, ranking fourth in the AL. The Blue Jays allow 0.0 runs per game, but have improved upon those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 0.0 runs per game during that span.
The Blue Jays lead the season series, 3-2.
Predictions: SU Winner – TOR
Notes
When leading after seven innings, Tampa Bay is 4-3, while Toronto is 3-9.
The Blue Jays are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Rays have a 4-6 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Rays are 5-3. The Blue Jays have a 7-2 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 30th in runs, Tampa Bay has earned 72 this season. Toronto ranks 13th with 97 runs.
Ranking 29th, Tampa Bay is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 57 this season. Toronto ranks in the top 10 at sixth with 84.
The Rays are 8-7 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Blue Jays are 8-8 when they hit at least one homer.
