Alex Cobb (0-0, 0.00 ERA) and the Tampa Bay Rays (56-76) meet Francisco Liriano (7-12, 5.22 ERA) and the Toronto Blue Jays (76-57) in the first of a three-game division series at Tropicana Field. The game gets underway at 7:10 p.m. ET on Friday, Sep. 2 and will air on RSN and SUN.
This is the first start of the season for Cobb. Brad Miller (.260, 60 Rs, 25 HRs, 65 RBIs, 6 SBs) continued his strong season Wednesday, going 2 for 4 with one RBI. The Blue Jays were victorious the last time Liriano pitched. He went 5.0 innings, allowing four runs (one unearned), striking out seven and walking four in a 15-8 victory over the Twins. Josh Donaldson (.296, 106 Rs, 34 HRs, 92 RBIs, 6 SBs) has been hitting the ball well for the Blue Jays, going 2 for 4 Wednesday.
Notes
Tampa Bay has won 40% (24-36) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Toronto has won 53% (30-27) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Blue Jays managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Rays who are heading in with a 27-19 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Rays are 38-12. The Blue Jays have a 61-9 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 22nd in runs, Tampa Bay has earned 555 this season. Toronto ranks fourth with 653 runs.
Ranking 16th, Tampa Bay is in the bottom half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.738). Toronto ranks in the top 10 at sixth with an OPS of .770.
The Blue Jays are 47-43 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Rays are 31-68 when they allow at least one homer.
