Ubaldo Jimenez (5-11, 6.62 ERA) and the Baltimore Orioles (71-60) go up against J.A. Happ (17-4, 3.19 ERA) and the Toronto Blue Jays (75-56) in the second of a three-game division series at Camden Yards. The Blue Jays won the last game 5-1, and Toronto leads the series 1-0. The game starts at 7:05 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Aug. 30 and will air on MASN and RSN.
In his last start, Jimenez pitched 6.0 innings, giving up one run and striking out four in a 4-0 loss to the Nationals. The Blue Jays were unsuccessful against the Angels 6-3 the last time Happ pitched. He went 5.0 innings, allowing four runs, striking out six and walking one. Josh Donaldson (.294, 106 Rs, 34 HRs, 92 RBIs, 6 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
Baltimore is a +130 underdog in this game, and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at 10 runs. The Orioles are in an interesting position this season. While it has a notable overall money line (+981), its record as the underdog (24-38) is less impressive. Over the last 10 games, they have performed poorly when playing as the underdog (2-5). The Orioles are a power hitting team with an MLB-best 205 home runs. Baltimore’s pitching staff has fallen apart in the past 10 games. Its average runs allowed per game rose to 6.5 during that span, compared to its 4.7 season average.
On the other side, the Blue Jays have a nice record of 61-37 when they are favored and are +186 overall with the money line. Over the past 10 matchups, the team is 6-4 SU and has played well as the favorite with a 5-2 record. The Blue Jays rank second in the AL in scoring, averaging 4.9 runs per game. The Blue Jays are known for their bats, hitting 443 extra base hits. The Blue Jays average 3.8 walks per game, making them the most disciplined team in the AL. Switching gears to Toronto’s pitching staff, they have a WHIP of 1.226 on the year, good for fourth in the league.
The Blue Jays have mostly come out on top against the Orioles in their previous 14 games this season, earning an 8-6 record. The Orioles will take on a left-hander (Happ) in this game and have an 18-18 record against left-handed starting pitchers this season. The right-handed Jimenez will take the mound against the Blue Jays, who have a 55-38 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – TOR, O/U – Over
Notes
When leading after seven innings, Baltimore is 35-22, while Toronto is 29-26.
The Blue Jays are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Orioles have a 15-19 record when opponents give up one walk or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Orioles are 47-9. The Blue Jays have a 60-9 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking eighth, Baltimore is in the top 10 of the league in runs, scoring 616 this season. Toronto ranks in the top five with 645.
Ranking 23rd, Baltimore is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 369 this season. Toronto ranks in the top five at third with 491.
The Orioles are 59-39 when they hit at least one home run. The Blue Jays perform similarly when they hit one or more homers with a 67-33 record.
