Corey Kluber (13-8, 3.15 ERA) and the Cleveland Indians (70-51) meet Marcus Stroman (9-5, 4.63 ERA) and the Toronto Blue Jays (70-53) in the last of a three-game series at Progressive Field. The Blue Jays won the last game 6-5, and the series is currently tied 1-1. The game starts at 1:10 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 21 and will air on STOh and RSN.
In his most recent outing, Kluber pitched 6.0 innings, allowing one run, striking out seven and walking two in a 3-1 victory over the White Sox. The Blue Jays were victorious over the Astros 9-2 the last time Stroman pitched. He went 6.1 innings, allowing two and striking out eight. Edwin Encarnacion (.268, 77 Rs, 35 HRs, 101 RBIs, 2 SBs) has been hitting the ball well, going 2 for 5 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
Cleveland, a -152 favorite, will look to capitalize at home against Toronto. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is set at eight runs. The Indians have a winning record of 55-36 when playing as the favorite and an overall money line of +605. They are 7-2 as the favorite over their last 10 games. The Indians are a nightmare on the bases for opponents with 102 steals, one of the highest totals in baseball. Transitioning to the pitching staff, the Indians are fifth in the league in WHIP at 1.237. They have been extremely effective at striking opposing batters out, averaging 8.5 strikeouts per game.
Across the field, the Blue Jays have a record of 14-18 when they are the underdog and are +198 overall with the money line. The Blue Jays are known for their bats, hitting 406 extra base hits. The Blue Jays average 3.7 walks per game, making them the most disciplined team in the AL. Shifting to the pitching staff, they have a WHIP of 1.211 on the year, good for fourth in the league.
This game will feature Stroman (RHP) on the mound against the Indians, who have a 45-39 record when they take on a right-handed starter. The right-handed Kluber will take the mound against the Blue Jays, who have a 53-35 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – CLE, O/U – Over
Notes
For the 18th time this season, the Blue Jays registered at least two errors in a game.
The Indians are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Blue Jays have a 9-9 record when opponents give up one walk or less.
When they are outhit, the Blue Jays are 8-41. The Indians have an 8-36 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 11th in home runs, Cleveland has hit 157 this season. Toronto ranks second with 178 home runs.
Ranking 14th, Toronto is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.42 per game. Cleveland ranks in the top five at second with 9.21.
Ranking ninth, Toronto is in the top 10 of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.762). Cleveland ranks in the top five with an OPS of .774.
The Blue Jays are 42-40 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Indians are 43-45 when they allow at least one homer.
