Marcus Stroman (4-0, 2.12 ERA) and the Toronto Blue Jays square off against Cole Hamels (13-8, 3.61 ERA) and the Texas Rangers in Game 5 of the Divisional Playoffs at the Rogers Centre. The Blue Jays won the last game 8-4, and the series is currently tied 2-2. Action begins at 4:07 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 14 and can be seen on FS1.
Stroman pitched 7.0 innings in Game 2 of the Divisional Playoffs, surrendering four runs (one unearned), striking out five and walking two in a 6-4 defeat to the Rangers. Josh Donaldson (.297, 126 Rs, 43 HRs, 126 RBIs, 6 SBs) went 1 for 4 Monday with two runs, one home run, and two RBIs. Hamels went 7.0 innings, surrendering four runs (two unearned) and striking out six in a 6-4 win over the Blue Jays in Game 2 of the Divisional Playoffs. Shin-soo Choo (.274, 97 Rs, 22 HRs, 83 RBIs, 4 SBs) has been successful at the plate for the Rangers, going 3 for 4 Monday with two runs.
Toronto is a -174 favorite against Texas and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at eight runs. The Blue Jays have recorded an overall money line of +979 and have shown high-level performance as a favorite this season with a record of 72-37. Toronto is an impressive 5-1 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 are one of the best in the AL in terms of hits with an impressive 9.1 per game. Toronto leads the whole AL in walks, earning an average of 3.5 per game. Toronto’s pitching staff has been doing poorly against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, allowing an average of 5.4 runs per game, well above its season average of 4.1. The Blue Jays are the top team in the AL at limiting hits during home games, allowing only 7.7 hits per contest to their opponents this season.
In games where it is the underdog, Texas has a 59-55 record and an overall money line of +2,979.
The Blue Jays lead the season series, 6-4. The Blue Jays have a 73-54 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Hamels takes the mound. Stroman (LHP) will be on the hill against the Rangers, who have a 34-30 record against left-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – TOR, O/U – Over
Notes
The Blue Jays are coming into this game after allowing no walks during their last outing. The Rangers have a 4-6 record when opponents don’t give up any walks.
It looks like the Blue Jays have a slight leg up on the Rangers, as the Blue Jays have won their last two games while the Rangers have lost their last two.
When they outhit their opponents, the Rangers are 66-10. The Blue Jays have a 78-10 record when outhitting opponents.
Toronto ranks at the top of the league when it comes to runs with 911 this season. Texas ranks in the top five at second with 767.
Ranking first in walks, Toronto has earned 583 this season. Texas ranks seventh with 510 walks.
The Blue Jays are 85-40 when they hit at least one home run. The Rangers perform similarly when they hit one or more homers with a 66-32 record.
