In the first of a three-game series between the Toronto Blue Jays (54-42) and the Seattle Mariners (48-47) at the Rogers Centre, Marco Estrada (5-3, 2.93 ERA) and James Paxton (2-4, 4.56 ERA) get the start. The game starts at 7:07 p.m. ET on Friday, Jul. 22 and will air on RSN and RTNW.
In his most recent outing, Estrada pitched 5.0 innings, allowing three runs and striking out seven in a 9-6 victory over the Indians. Josh Donaldson (.308, 85 Rs, 24 HRs, 70 RBIs, 6 SBs) continued his strong season Wednesday, going 2 for 4 with two runs, one home run, and three RBIs. The Mariners were unsuccessful the last time Paxton pitched. He did not do well, pitching 5.0 innings, giving up six runs, striking out one and walking one in a 7-3 loss to the Astros. Nelson Cruz (.284, 56 Rs, 23 HRs, 58 RBIs) went 1 for 4 Wednesday.
Notes
When leading after seven innings, Seattle is 23-21, while Toronto is 21-21.
The Mariners are coming off of a hot pitching game where they recorded nine strikeouts. The Blue Jays have a record of 21-23 when they are struck out that many times or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Mariners are 37-8. The Blue Jays have a 44-9 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking ninth in runs, Seattle has earned 451 this season. Toronto ranks fifth with 478 runs.
Toronto and Seattle both rank in the top 10 of the league for their on-base plus slugging percentage. Toronto sits at sixth with an OPS of .775, and Seattle ranks seventh with an OPS of .769.
When the Mariners allow at least one home run, they are 32-38. When the Blue Jays allow one or more homers, they have a 32-32 record.
