R.A. Dickey (9-13, 4.43 ERA) and Kyle Gibson (5-8, 5.09 ERA) are on the hill in the last of a three-game series between the Toronto Blue Jays (73-56) and the Minnesota Twins (49-80) at the Rogers Centre. The Twins lost the last game 8-7, continuing a nine-game losing streak. Action begins at 1:07 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 28 and can be seen on FSN and RSN.
Dickey pitched 6.2 innings in his most recent start, surrendering two runs, striking out two and walking two in a 7-2 win over the Angels. Edwin Encarnacion (.271, 82 Rs, 36 HRs, 105 RBIs, 2 SBs) continued his strong play yesterday, going 2 for 3 with two runs, one home run, and three RBIs. Gibson went 5.0 innings, surrendering five runs, striking out four and walking four in an 8-3 defeat to the Tigers in his last outing. Brian Dozier (.270, 81 Rs, 30 HRs, 78 RBIs, 11 SBs) has been successful at the plate for the Twins, going 3 for 5 yesterday with one run, two RBIs, and one stolen base.
This one isn’t expected to be close when Toronto, a substantial -193 favorite, takes on Minnesota. According to the oddsmakers, the Over/Under (O/U) is currently 10 runs. Though the Blue Jays have had a tough season in terms of their overall money line (-14), they have done fairly well as a favorite with a record of 59-37. The Blue Jays have no trouble scoring as they rank third in the AL in offense with 4.9 runs per game. The Blue Jays are one of the best in the MLB in terms of extra base hits with 433. Turning to the pitching and defensive side, it’s been a struggle for opposing teams to score runs against the Blue Jays. The 4.1 runs that Toronto’s pitchers allow per game makes them the top staff in the AL. The Blue Jays are the fifth-best team in the league at limiting hits and walks to their opponents, recording a WHIP of 1.228 so far this season.
Over in the other dugout, Minnesota is coming in with an overall money line of -2,084 and a disappointing record of 37-62 as the underdog. They played poorly as the underdog over their last 10 games with a 1-8 record and a 1-9 record SU. The Twins allow 5.5 runs per game, but have damaged those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 7.6 runs per game during that span.
The Blue Jays have controlled the season series, 5-1. The Blue Jays have a 54-38 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Gibson takes the mound. Dickey (RHP) will be on the hill against the Twins, who have a inferior 34-61 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – TOR, O/U – Over
Notes
When leading after seven innings, Toronto is 28-26, while Minnesota is 27-32.
The Twins managed to give up five walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Blue Jays who are heading in with a 26-14 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Twins are 8-66. The Blue Jays have a 9-44 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 16th in home runs, Minnesota has hit 152 this season. Toronto ranks second with 186 home runs.
Ranking 12th, Toronto is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.51 per game. Minnesota ranks in the top 10 at eighth with 8.84.
Ranking 13th, Minnesota is in the top half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.746). Toronto ranks in the top 10 at sixth with an OPS of .767.
When the Twins allow at least one home run, they are 35-66. When the Blue Jays allow one or more homers, they have a 45-42 record.
