R.A. Dickey (9-10, 4.25 ERA) and Trevor Bauer (10-10, 4.31 ERA) take the hill in the last of a three-game series between the Toronto Blue Jays (75-57) and the Cleveland Indians (64-67) at the Rogers Centre. The Blue Jays won the last game 5-3 and the series is currently tied 1-1. Action begins at 7:07 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Sep. 2 and can be seen on STOh and RSN.
Dickey pitched 6.2 innings in his last outing, surrendering three runs, striking out six and walking one in a 5-3 win over the Tigers. Josh Donaldson (.301, 102 Rs, 36 HRs, 108 RBIs, 5 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday with one run. Bauer went 8.0 innings, surrendering one run, striking out seven and walking three in a 3-1 win over the Angels in his most recent start. Michael Brantley (.323, 61 Rs, 12 HRs, 74 RBIs, 14 SBs) has been successful at the plate for the Indians, going 2 for 5 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
This one isn’t expected to be close when Toronto, a substantial -181 favorite, takes on Cleveland. The matchup has an estimated Over/Under (O/U) of eight runs. The Blue Jays have recorded an overall money line of +631 and have shown high-level performance as a favorite this season with a record of 55-29. Toronto is an impressive 7-2 as the favorite over its last 10 games. The Blue Jays have no trouble scoring as they lead the AL in offense with 5.5 runs per game. The Blue Jays lead the MLB in home runs with 185. Crossing over to the pitching staff, opposing offenses that come to the Rogers Centre have been stifled by the Blue Jays, who have a team ERA of only 3.19 at home. The Blue Jays are the second-best team in the AL at limiting hits during home games, allowing only 7.7 hits per game to their opponents this season.
In games where it is the underdog, Cleveland has a 20-26 record and an overall money line of -1,295. Offensively, the Indians have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 4.1 runs per game by averaging 5.5 during that stretch. Cleveland is excellent at not striking out n the road with just 7.2 per game, ranking fourth in the AL. The Indians allow 4.1 runs per game, but have improved upon those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 3.0 runs per game during that span. When it comes to preventing batters from getting on base, the Indians are one of the best in the league with a WHIP of 1.19 for the season.
The Blue Jays have a 55-45 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Bauer takes the mound. Dickey (RHP) will be on the hill against the Indians, who have a 47-39 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – Tor, O/U – Over
Notes
The Blue Jays are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Indians have a 14-30 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Indians are 9-49. 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. Cleveland ranks near the bottom at 23rd with 109.
Ranking eighth, Cleveland is in the top 10 of the league in hits, notching 8.68 per game. Toronto ranks in the top five at fourth with 8.99.
Toronto ranks at the top of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage of .789. Cleveland ranks in the top half at 13th with an OPS of .723.
The Indians are 39-55 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Blue Jays are 43-40 when they allow at least one homer.
