R.A. Dickey (10-11, 4.05 ERA) and the Toronto Blue Jays (87-65) go up against Jake Odorizzi (8-8, 3.38 ERA) and the Tampa Bay Rays (75-78) in the first of a three-game division series at the Rogers Centre. The game starts at 7:07 p.m. ET on Friday, Sep. 25 and will air on SUN and RSN.
In his last start, Dickey pitched 6.0 innings, allowing two runs, striking out three and walking one in a 7-6 loss to the Red Sox. Josh Donaldson (.301, 117 Rs, 39 HRs, 120 RBIs, 6 SBs) continued his strong season Wednesday, going 3 for 4 with one run. The Rays were unsuccessful the last time Odorizzi pitched. He did not do well, pitching 5.2 innings, giving up four runs, striking out three and walking two in a 7-6 loss to the Orioles. Logan Forsythe (.285, 69 Rs, 17 HRs, 66 RBIs, 9 SBs) has been hitting the ball well for the Rays, going 2 for 4 yesterday with one run.
Toronto, a -163 favorite, will look to capitalize at home against Tampa Bay. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is set at eight runs. The Blue Jays have a winning record of 67-36 when playing as the favorite and an overall money line of +830. They have a 36-30 record SU and are 22-18 as favorite within their division. The Blue Jays lead the majors in home runs with 214. They have been very patient at the plate, leading the AL with an average of 3.5 walks per game. Toronto’s pitching staff can be considered one of the best in the AL. The Blue Jays have a team ERA of 3.77, one of the lowest in their league. The Blue Jays don’t give up many hits to opposing batters, ranking fourth in the AL with only 8.4 hits allowed per game.
Across the field, the Rays have a record of 38-41 when they are the underdog and are -775 overall with the money line. Over the past 10 matchups, they are 5-5 SU and have played well as the underdog with a 3-1 record.
The Rays have mostly come out on top against the Blue Jays in their previous 13 games this season, earning an 8-5 record. This game will feature Odorizzi (RHP) on the mound against the Blue Jays, who have a 67-51 record when they take on a right-handed starter. The right-handed Dickey will take the mound against the Rays, who have a 47-58 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – Tor, O/U – Under
Notes
Toronto won its last game in a shutout, its 10th of the season. Tampa Bay has been shut out 10 times this season.
The Blue Jays are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Rays have a 15-22 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Blue Jays are 13-53. The Rays have a 13-46 record when opponents outhit them.
Toronto ranks at the top of the league when it comes to home runs with 214 this season. Tampa Bay ranks in the top half at 14th with 154.
Ranking 11th, Tampa Bay is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.53 per game. Toronto ranks in the top five at fourth with 9.01.
Ranking first in on-base plus slugging percentage, Toronto has an OPS of .791 this season. Tampa Bay ranks 18th with an OPS of .722.
When the Rays allow at least one home run, they are 35-58. When the Blue Jays allow one or more homers, they have a 49-46 record.
