Runs may be hard to come by in this one as Hector Santiago (7-6, 2.86 ERA) and the Los Angeles Angels (63-58) meet David Price (11-4, 2.41 ERA) and the Toronto Blue Jays (66-55) in the first of a three-game series at Angel Stadium. The game gets underway at 10:05 p.m. ET on Friday, Aug. 21 and will air on RSN and FSW.
In his most recent outing, Santiago pitched 7.0 innings, giving up two runs, striking out five and walking three in a 4-3 loss to the Royals. Mike Trout (.297, 79 Rs, 33 HRs, 72 RBIs, 10 SBs) continued his strong season yesterday, going 2 for 3 with one RBI. The Blue Jays were unsuccessful the last time Price pitched. He tossed 7.1 innings, allowing three runs and striking out six in a 4-3 loss to the Yankees.
Los Angeles is a +128 underdog in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at seven runs. The Angels have a losing record of 17-30 when playing as the underdog and an overall money line of -14. With a 0-4 record as the underdog, they have had a tough time over their last 10 games. Los Angeles has averaged 2.7 runs per game over the last 10 games, lower than its season average of 4.1. The Angels are a dangerous hitting team with 320 extra base hits, one of the highest totals in the MLB. They typically aren’t overmatched by pitchers, ranking fifth in the AL with an average of only 7.2 strikeouts per game.
On the other side, the Blue Jays have a nice record of 48-27 when they are favored and are +161 overall with the money line. Toronto is one of the top home-run-hitting teams in the league with 162 home runs. The last 10 games have really brought the best out of the Toronto pitchers. They’ve allowed 2.8 runs per game during that span, which is lower than their season average of 4.1.
This game will feature Price (LHP) on the mound against the Angels, who have an 18-13 record when they take on a left-handed starter. The left-handed Santiago will take the mound against the Blue Jays, who have a 15-12 record against lefty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – Tor, O/U – Over
Notes
When leading after 7 innings, Los Angeles is 31-17, while Toronto is 31-22.
After a weak showing last week where they got in five hits, the Blue Jays need to step it up. The Angels have a record of 23-5 when opponents get five hits or fewer.
When they outhit their opponents, the Angels are 45-14. The Blue Jays have a 53-6 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking first in runs, Toronto has earned 634 this season. Los Angeles ranks 17th with 489 runs.
Ranking 17th, Los Angeles is in the bottom half of the league in walks, notching 333 this season. Toronto ranks in the top five at fourth with 400.
When the Angels hit at least one home run, they are 50-28, well-matched with the Blue Jays who are 60-29 when hitting one or more homers.
