In the first of a three-game series between the Toronto Blue Jays (61-52) and the Oakland Athletics (51-62) at the Rogers Centre, Drew Hutchison (10-2, 5.42 ERA) and Kendall Graveman (6-7, 3.90 ERA) get the start. The Blue Jays go into this series looking to continue an eight-game winning streak. The game gets underway at 7:07 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Aug. 11 and will air on CSCA and RSN.
In his most recent outing, Hutchison pitched 5.0 innings, giving up three runs (four unearned), striking out five and walking two in a 9-7 victory over the Twins. Josh Donaldson (.297, 82 Rs, 31 HRs, 83 RBIs, 4 SBs) played well again Sunday, going 2 for 4 with one run, one home run, and one RBI. The Athletics were unsuccessful to the Orioles 7-3 the last time Graveman pitched. He went 5.2 innings, allowing three runs, striking out three and walking one. Josh Reddick (.283, 45 Rs, 13 HRs, 60 RBIs, 5 SBs) has been doing well offensively for the Athletics, going 2 for 5 Sunday with two RBIs.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable at the moment. The Blue Jays come into the game with the AL’s top ranked home scoring offense, averaging 5.6 runs per game in their own ballpark. The Blue Jays are a power hitting team with 153 home runs, one of the highest totals in the MLB. The Blue Jays typically don’t swing at bad pitches, which has led to an AL-high 3.6 walks per home game. Toronto’s pitching staff has put it all together in the past 10 games. Its average runs allowed per game dropped to 2.8 during that span, compared to its 4.1 season average. The Blue Jays are the best in the AL in hits allowed at home, giving up just 7.7 per game.
The Athletics average just 6.6 strikeouts per game, one of the lowest marks in the AL. Shifting to the pitching staff, they have a WHIP of 1.20 on the year, good for fifth in the league.
In their previous three games this season, the Blue Jays have a 2-1 record. The Blue Jays will take on a right-hander (Graveman) in this game and have a 46-41 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. The right-handed Hutchison will take the mound against the Athletics, who have a 42-41 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – Tor
Notes
Toronto earned its eighth shutout of the season in its last game. Oakland has been shut out seven times this season.
The Blue Jays managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Athletics who are coming in with a 22-19 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Athletics are 7-43. The Blue Jays have a 9-41 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 26th in home runs, Oakland has hit 89 this season. Toronto ranks second with 153 home runs.
Ranking eighth, Oakland is in the top 10 of the league in hits, notching 8.57 per game. Toronto ranks in the top five at third with 8.85.
Toronto ranks at the top of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage of .779. Oakland ranks near the bottom at 23rd with an OPS of .696.
When the Athletics allow at least one home run, they are 17-43. When the Blue Jays allow one or more homers, they have a 34-37 record.
