Drew Hutchison (1-0, 6.97 ERA) and the Toronto Blue Jays (5-5) meet Julio Teheran (2-0, 1.50 ERA) and the Atlanta Braves (6-3) in the first of a three-game interleague series at the Rogers Centre. The game starts at 7:07 p.m. ET on Friday, Apr. 17 and will air on FSN-S and RSN.
In his last start, Hutchison pitched 4.1 innings, allowing seven runs, striking out five and walking one in a 10-7 loss to the Orioles. Devon Travis (.343, 7 Rs, 2 HRs, 7 RBIs) continued his hot start yesterday, going 2 for 4 with one run and one RBI. In his pitching opportunities against the Blue Jays, Teheran is 0-0 with an 8.31 ERA, five strikeouts and one walk. Nick Markakis (.267 ) has been hitting the ball well to start the season, going 2 for 4 Wednesday.
Toronto, a -125 favorite, will look to capitalize at home against Atlanta. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is set at seven runs. The Blue Jays are 2-2 as the favorite and have an overall money line of +51.
Across the field, the Braves have a record of 4-2 when they are the underdog and are +364 overall with the money line. Against AL opponents, they are 6-3 SU and have played well as the underdog with a 4-2 record. The Braves are the top-ranked scoring offense in the NL when playing on the road, averaging five runs per game so far. The Braves average 3.7 walks per road game, making them one of the most disciplined teams in the NL when they travel. The Braves are a problem for opposing batters, sporting an NL-low 1.00 ERA on the road this season.
This game will feature Teheran (RHP) on the mound against the Blue Jays, who have a 4-4 record when they take on a right-handed starter. The right-handed Hutchison will take the mound against the Braves, who have a 5-3 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – TOR, O/U – Over
Notes
The Braves managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Blue Jays who are heading in with a 3-2 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Blue Jays are 5-1. The Braves have a 4-0 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 17th, Atlanta sits in the bottom half of the league in runs, scoring 36 this season. Toronto ranks in the top five at fourth with 55.
Ranking 19th, Atlanta is in the bottom half of the league in walks, notching 25 this season. Toronto ranks in the top 10 at eighth with 32.
The Blue Jays are 4-0 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Braves are 3-3 when they hit at least one homer.
