A.J. Griffin (3-0, 2.52 ERA) is on the hill for the Texas Rangers (14-11) as they square off against R.A. Dickey (1-3, 6.75 ERA) and the Toronto Blue Jays (12-14) in the first of a four-game series at the Rogers Centre. Action begins at 7:07 p.m. ET on Monday, May. 2 and can be seen on FSSW and RSN1.
Dickey pitched 6.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering six runs, striking out three and walking one in a 10-1 defeat to the White Sox. Josh Donaldson (.293, 26 Rs, 9 HRs, 21 RBIs, 1 SB) went 1 for 3 yesterday with two runs, one home run, and one RBI. Griffin went 8.0 innings, surrendering one run, striking out five and walking one in a 10-1 win over the Yankees in his most recent start. Elvis Andrus (.325, 8 Rs, 13 RBIs) went 1 for 4 yesterday.
The odds for Toronto and Texas are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently not available. The Blue Jays 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. Toronto’s pitching staff has been doing better against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, only allowing an average of 0.0 runs per game, well under their season average of 0.0. Opponents have consistently been struck out by the Blue Jays, who rank fifth in the AL in strikeouts per home game with 7.1.
Offensively, the Rangers 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. The Rangers 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 Rangers have established a reputation of overwhelming hitters with an AL-best 5.8 strikeouts per road game.
Predictions: SU Winner – TOR
Notes
The Blue Jays are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Rangers have a 7-8 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When they are outhit, the Blue Jays are 2-11. The Rangers have a 4-9 record when opponents outhit them.
Texas ranks near the bottom of the league at 26th when it comes to home runs, hitting 20 this season. Toronto ranks in the top 10 with 31.
Ranking 28th, Toronto is near the bottom of the league in hits, notching 7.50 per game. Texas ranks in the top half at 11th with 8.56.
Ranking 16th, Toronto is in the bottom half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.710). Texas ranks in the top half at 14th with an OPS of .717.
When the Rangers allow at least one home run, they are 10-9, well-matched with the Blue Jays who are 9-8 when allowing at least one homer.
