The Toronto Blue Jays will host the Tampa Bay Rays for game two of their three-game set this Saturday from the Rogers Centre. Toronto took game one after leading throughout the contest, 6-3.
Rays Betting Preview
Tampa Bay comes in at 13-1 after losing to Toronto. The Rays suffered defeat for the first time this season, and they’ll look to respond swiftly here. The Tampa offense is scoring 7.21 runs per game, while batting .287, with a .364 on-base percentage. The pitching staff carries a 2.23 ERA, with a 0.94 WHIP. Brandon Lowe has homered in five of the last seven games, and he leads the Rays in average (.333). Randy Arozarena has recorded a hit in nine of the last ten games, he’s first on the team in RBI (16).
Josh Fleming (1-0, 6.43 ERA, 7 Ks) will take the mound for Tampa. The four-year pitcher responded to a rough season debut by tossing four shutout innings and striking out five versus Boston on Monday.
Blue Jays Betting Preview
Toronto moved to 9-5 following the win over Tampa Bay. The Blue Jays ended the Rays undefeated run, and they’ll look to double down this Saturday. The Toronto offense is scoring 4.85 runs per game, while batting .284, with a .342 on-base percentage. The pitching staff carries a 4.70 ERA, with a 1.36 WHIP. Matt Chapman is off to a great start, leading the Jays in batting average (.460) and RBI (15). Vladimir Guerrero has recorded a hit in nine of his last ten games, and he’s second on the team at .393.
Yusei Kikuchi (1-0, 6.75 ERA, 8 Ks) will get the ball for Toronto. The fifth-year lefty had a tough time in LA with the Angels, giving up six runs in 4 ⅓ innings of work. Kikuchi fared much better in his season debut versus a less imposing KC lineup, and this will mark his first home start of the year.
Tampa vs Toronto Trends
Tampa Bay is 12-2 against the spread this season, with a 9-3-2 over/under record. Toronto is 7-7 ATS this year, with a 7-6-1 O/U record.
Corey's Free Pick
Toronto struck first and handed Tampa Bay their first loss of the season, and while I believe redemption may be in play for the visitors, I also think we could see some runs. Yusei Kikuchi has been a fun pitcher to target over the past few seasons, and with revenge in mind, you can bet that the Rays will come out swinging. The Blue Jays possess the stronger lineup, and surely won’t back down themselves, so I like the firepower affecting the scoreboard for both sides here. Take the Over for this AL East battle.
AUTHOR: Corey Ghee
