Corey Kluber (0-3, 4.24 ERA) and Aaron Sanchez (1-2, 5.03 ERA) are on the hill in the third of a four-game series between the Cleveland Indians (8-14) and the Toronto Blue Jays (11-13) at Progressive Field. The Indians won the last game 9-4 and the series is currently tied 1-1. Action begins at 4:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, May. 2 and can be seen on RSN and STO.
Kluber pitched 6.1 innings in his last outing, surrendering four runs (two unearned), striking out five and walking two in a 6-2 defeat to the Royals. Michael Brantley (.344, 8 Rs, 1 HR, 9 RBIs, 1 SB) continued his strong play yesterday, going 2 for 5 with two runs, one home run, and two RBIs. Sanchez went 5.2 innings, surrendering three runs (one unearned), striking out seven and walking two in a 6-5 defeat to the Red Sox in his most recent start. Josh Donaldson (.330, 20 Rs, 6 HRs, 17 RBIs, 2 SBs) has been successful at the plate, going 2 for 3 yesterday with two runs, one home run, and one RBI.
Cleveland is a -155 favorite against Toronto and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at seven runs. The Indians have recorded an overall money line of -943 and have shown a weak performance as a favorite this season with a record of 4-8. Opponents have consistently been struck out by the Indians, who lead the AL in strikeouts per game with 9.6.
In games where it is the underdog, Toronto has a 5-7 record and an overall money line of -276. They played poorly as the underdog over their last 10 games with a 2-5 record, and a 5-5 record SU. Offensively, they average 5.3 runs per game, which is good for third in the AL. The Blue Jays can change the game with one swing of the bat, ranking fourth in the league with 29 home runs.
The Indians have a 6-6 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Sanchez takes the mound. Kluber (RHP) will be on the hill against the Blue Jays, who have an 8-11 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – TOR, O/U – Over
Notes
When the Blue Jays play into extra innings, they have a 1-0 record. The Indians are 0-1 when their games exceed nine innings.
The Blue Jays managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Indians who are heading in with a 3-5 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Indians are 6-2. The Blue Jays have a 9-1 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking first in runs, Toronto has earned 126 this season. Cleveland ranks 22nd with 88 runs.
Ranking 14th, Cleveland is in the top half of the league in walks, notching 70 this season. Toronto ranks in the top five at fourth with 81.
The Indians are 7-6 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Blue Jays are 9-5 when they hit at least one homer.
