Aaron Sanchez (11-2, 2.85 ERA) and the Toronto Blue Jays (65-51) meet Collin McHugh (7-9, 4.69 ERA) and the Houston Astros (61-55) in the second of a three-game series at the Rogers Centre. The Astros won the last game 5-3, and Houston leads the series 1-0. The game starts at 1:07 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 13 and will air on RTSW and RSN.
In his last start, Sanchez pitched 6.0 innings, allowing four runs, striking out three and walking one in a 4-2 loss to the Royals. Edwin Encarnacion (.265, 71 Rs, 32 HRs, 95 RBIs, 2 SBs) played well again yesterday, going 2 for 4 with one run, one home run, and one RBI. The Astros were also unsuccessful the last time McHugh pitched. He tossed 7.0 innings, giving up three runs, striking out six and walking one in a 3-1 loss to the Twins. Jose Altuve (.363, 85 Rs, 19 HRs, 73 RBIs, 26 SBs) went 1 for 5 yesterday with two RBIs.
Toronto, a -175 favorite, will look to capitalize at home against Houston. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is nine runs. The Blue Jays are in an interesting position this season. While they have a notable winning record in games where they’re the favorite (53-34), their overall money line (-94) is less impressive. The Blue Jays will be looking to pick it up in this one after recent offensive struggles. In the last 10 games, Toronto has only averaged 3.5 runs per game compared to the 4.8 it’s averaged on the season. The Blue Jays are a power hitting team with 164 home runs, one of the highest totals in the MLB. The Blue Jays typically don’t swing at bad pitches, which has led to an AL-high 4.0 walks per home game. As for the pitching staff, the Blue Jays are fifth in the league in WHIP at 1.219.
Across the field, the Astros have a record of 17-14 when they are the underdog and are -774 overall with the money line. The Houston pitching staff has been an intimidating group this year, averaging an AL-best 8.7 strikeouts per game.
In their previous five games this season, the Blue Jays have a 3-2 record. The Blue Jays will take on a right-hander (McHugh) in this game and have a 49-33 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. Taking the hill against the Astros will be the right-hander Sanchez. They sport a 43-35 record against righties.
Predictions: SU Winner – TOR, O/U – Over
Notes
The Blue Jays managed to give up five walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Astros who are coming in with a 28-14 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Astros are 9-49. The Blue Jays have an 8-39 record when opponents outhit them.
Houston ranks in the top half of the league at 14th when it comes to home runs, hitting 140 this season. Toronto ranks in the top five with 164.
Toronto and Houston both rank in the top half of the league in hits. Toronto sits at 13th with 8.41 hits per game and Houston ranks 11th with 8.44.
Ranking 14th, Houston is in the top half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.738). Toronto ranks in the top 10 at ninth with an OPS of .759.
The Astros are 38-34 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Blue Jays are 38-39 when they allow at least one homer.
