Josh Tomlin (11-6, 4.14 ERA) and Aaron Sanchez (12-2, 2.84 ERA) start in the second of a three-game series between the Cleveland Indians (70-50) and the Toronto Blue Jays (69-53) at Progressive Field. The Indians won the last game 3-2, and Cleveland leads the series 1-0. Action begins at 7:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 20 and can be seen on STOh and RSN.
Tomlin pitched 7.2 innings in his most recent start, surrendering three runs and striking out three in a 3-2 defeat to the Red Sox. Mike Napoli (.262, 77 Rs, 29 HRs, 86 RBIs, 4 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one RBI. Sanchez went 7.0 innings, surrendering two runs, striking out six and walking three in a 4-2 win over the Astros in his last outing.
Toronto takes on Cleveland as a -127 favorite. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is sitting at eight runs. The Indians have an overall money line of +618 and a record as the underdog of 15-15. The Indians are one of the best in the MLB in terms of extra base hits with 403. Cleveland is one of the best in the MLB in terms of steals, swiping 102 bases. Crossing over to the pitching staff, the Indians are the top team in the AL at limiting hits to their opponents, allowing only 8.2 hits per game so far this season. Opponents have consistently been struck out by the Indians, who rank third in the AL in strikeouts per game with 8.4.
As for their opponent, Toronto is coming in with an overall money line of +195 and an impressive record of 56-35 as the favorite. Offensively, they average four runs per game on the road, which is fifth in the AL. Toronto is excellent at drawing walks with an AL-best 3.7 per game. When it comes to preventing batters from getting on base, the Blue Jays are one of the best in the league with a WHIP of 1.215 for the season.
The Indians lead the season series, 3-2. The Indians have a 45-38 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Sanchez takes the mound. Tomlin (RHP) will be on the hill against the Blue Jays, who have a 52-34 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – CLE, O/U – Over
Notes
For the 17th time this season, the Blue Jays registered at least two errors in a game.
The Indians are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Blue Jays have an 18-17 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When they are outhit, the Blue Jays are 8-41. The Indians have an 8-35 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 11th in home runs, Cleveland has hit 156 this season. Toronto ranks second with 175 home runs.
Ranking 12th, Toronto is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.45 per game. Cleveland ranks in the top five at second with 9.24.
Ranking eighth, Toronto is in the top 10 of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.760). Cleveland ranks in the top five at fourth with an OPS of .776.
The Blue Jays are 41-40 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Indians are 43-44 when they allow at least one homer.
