The Toronto Blue Jays are winners of 11 of their last 13 series.
On Saturday evening, the Jays will have a chance to win another one, as they play the second of three against the Athletics.
Friday saw the Jays go up 7-0 early, but their lead dwindled over the next few innings. Up 7-3 heading into the bottom of the ninth, Jeff Hoffman allowed three earned runs and brought the winning run to the plate, but he was able to strike out Nick Kurtz for the save.
Over their last 17 games, the Blue Jays are 14-3, giving them a two-and-a-half game lead in the American League East. The Blue Jays can extend that to a three-game lead with a win, as the New York Yankees fell 5-2 to the Chicago Cubs on Saturday afternoon.
Left-handed pitcher Jacob Lopez starts for the Athletics. In his last start against the Blue Jays, he gave up seven earned runs in just an inning and two-thirds of work. Hopefully, the Jays can get to him early on Saturday.
With a lefty on the mound for the Athletics, Addison Barger is on the bench, as is Joey Loperfido, Nathan Lukes and Will Wagner. It’s a lineup full of righties. Ernie Clement leads off, George Springer bats second, and the 1,000-hit man Vladimir Guerrero Jr. bats third. Bo Bichette cleans up, followed by Alejandro Kirk and Daivs Schneider. The Blue Jays’ bottom third is comprised of Leo Jiménez, Tyler Heineman, and Myles Straw.
Starting the game for the Blue Jays is Kevin Gausman, who allowed two earned runs in five and two-thirds innings pitched in his last start. After those four rough starts to begin June, Gausman has a 1.93 ERA and 3.30 FIP in 18.2 innings pitched over his last three games.
Let’s set up Saturday evening’s game!
Location: Sacramento
First Pitch: 10:05 PM ET
Watch/Listen: Sportsnet, SN590
Starting Pitchers
Toronto Blue Jays – Kevin Gausman: 6-6 record, 4.13 ERA, 104.2 IP, 102 SO, 32 BB
Athletics – Jacob Lopez: 2-5 record, 4.26 ERA, 50.2 IP, 64 SO, 19 BB
Lineups:
Blue Jays:
- Ernie Clement – 3B
- George Springer – RF
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – 1B
- Bo Bichette – SS
- Alejandro Kirk – DH
- Davis Schneider – LF
- Leo Jiménez – 2B
- Tyler Heineman – C
- Myles Straw – CF
Athletics:
- Lawrence Butler – RF
- Jacob Wilson – SS
- Nick Kurtz – 1B
- Brent Rooker – DH
- Tyler Soderstrom – LF
- Shea Langeliers – C
- Miguel Andujar – 3B
- Max Muncy – 2B
- Denzel Clarke – CF