Aaron Sanchez (4-1, 3.20 ERA) and the Toronto Blue Jays (24-25) go up against Joe Kelly (2-0, 5.28 ERA) and the Boston Red Sox (29-18) in the first of a three-game division series at the Rogers Centre. The game gets underway at 7:07 p.m. ET on Friday, May. 27 and will air on NESN and RSN1.
In his most recent outing, Sanchez pitched 7.0 innings, allowing two runs and striking out seven in a 9-3 victory over the Twins. Jose Bautista (.238, 30 Rs, 10 HRs, 34 RBIs, 1 SB) played well again yesterday, going 2 for 4 with one run. The Red Sox were victorious over the Indians 9-1 the last time Kelly pitched. He went 6.2 innings, allowing zero runs, striking out seven and walking three. David Ortiz (.337, 24 Rs, 12 HRs, 45 RBIs, 1 SB) has been hitting the ball well for the Red Sox, going 2 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and two RBIs.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. Against teams in the AL East, the Blue Jays have a SU record of 10-9. The most recent 10-game stretch for the Blue Jays has gone great. Over that span, Toronto is averaging 0.0 runs per game, well over their season average of 0.0. They typically aren’t overmatched by pitchers, ranking fifth in the AL with an average of only 8.6 strikeouts per home game. The most recent 10 game stretch for Toronto’s pitching staff has gone great. Over that span, Toronto’s opponents are averaging 0.0 runs per game, below their season average of 0.0. An area where the Blue Jays are particularly strong is striking batters out, where they average 7.3 K’s per game.
Against teams in their division, the Red Sox are 12-14 SU. The Red Sox are the number one overall scoring offense in the AL, averaging 0.0 runs per game so far. The top hitting team in the AL are the Red Sox, who average 10.5 hits per game. Boston’s pitching staff has allowed an average of 0.0 runs per game during the last 10 games, lower than their season average of 0.0. They also average just 7.2 hits allowed per road game, fourth-best in the AL.
The Red Sox have gotten the better of the Blue Jays in head-to-head matchups this season, going 4-3.
Predictions: SU Winner – BOS
Notes
Toronto has won 37% (7-12) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Boston has won 73% (16-6) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Red Sox are coming into this game after allowing no walks during their last outing. The Blue Jays have a 1-2 record when opponents don’t give up any walks.
When they outhit their opponents, the Blue Jays are 18-6. The Red Sox have a 28-4 record when outhitting opponents.
Boston tops the league in runs with 276 this season. Toronto ranks in the top half with 197.
Ranking 11th, Boston is in the top half of the league in walks, notching 159 this season. Toronto ranks in the top 10 at sixth with 172.
When the Blue Jays hit at least one home run, they are 20-14. When the Red Sox hit at least one homer, they have a 23-13 record.
