Drew Hutchison (13-2, 4.87 ERA) and the Toronto Blue Jays (76-57) meet Ubaldo Jimenez (9-9, 4.34 ERA) and the Baltimore Orioles (64-69) in the first of a three-game division series at the Rogers Centre. The game gets underway at 7:07 p.m. ET on Friday, Sep. 4 and will air on MAS2 and RSN.
In his last start, Hutchison pitched 7.0 innings, giving up one run and striking out seven in a 15-1 victory over the Tigers. Josh Donaldson (.304, 104 Rs, 36 HRs, 111 RBIs, 5 SBs) continued his strong season Wednesday, going 3 for 4 with two runs and three RBIs. The Orioles were unsuccessful the last time Jimenez pitched. He struggled, going 5.2 innings, allowing four runs, striking out three and walking three in a 4-3 loss to the Rangers. Chris Davis (.253, 76 Rs, 38 HRs, 97 RBIs, 2 SBs) has been doing well offensively for the Orioles, going 3 for 4 Wednesday with two runs, two home runs, and three RBIs.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. The Blue Jays have an SU record of 27-23 against teams in their division. The Blue Jays come into the game with the top-ranked scoring offense in the AL, averaging 5.5 runs per game. They have been very patient at the plate, leading the AL with an average of 3.4 walks per game. Toronto’s pitching staff performs very well on its own field, recording a low 3.15 team ERA at home. The Blue Jays are the best in the AL in hits allowed at home, giving up just 7.6 per game.
Against fellow AL East members, the Orioles are 27-26 SU. During the last 10 games, they averaged 3.2 runs per game, below their 4.3 season average. Baltimore is one of the top home-run-hitting teams in the league with 173 home runs. Baltimore’s pitching staff has allowed an average of 5.8 runs per game during the last 10 games, higher than their season average of 4.1.
The Blue Jays have gotten the best of the Orioles in head-to-head matchups this season, going 7-5. The Blue Jays will take on a right-hander (Jimenez) in this game and have a 57-45 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. Taking the hill against the Orioles will be the right-hander Hutchison. They sport a 47-52 record against righties.
Predictions: SU Winner – Tor
Notes
The Orioles won their last game by a one-run margin. In games decided by one run, the Blue Jays are 13-24. The Orioles are 18-24 in close games this season.
The Blue Jays are coming into this game after allowing zero walks during their last outing. The Orioles have a 3-12 record when opponents give up that many walks.
When they are outhit, the Orioles are 11-50. The Blue Jays have a 13-45 record when opponents outhit them.
Toronto ranks at the top of the league when it comes to home runs with 185 this season. Baltimore ranks in the top five at fourth with 173.
Ranking 10th, Baltimore is in the top 10 of the league in hits, notching 8.52 per game. Toronto ranks in the top five at fourth with 8.97.
Ranking first in on-base plus slugging percentage, Toronto has an OPS of .788 this season. Baltimore ranks 12th with an OPS of .726.
When the Orioles allow at least one home run, they are 37-49. When the Blue Jays allow one or more homers, they have a 43-40 record.
