CC Sabathia (3-2, 3.41 ERA) and the New York Yankees (22-23) go up against J.A. Happ (5-2, 3.43 ERA) and the Toronto Blue Jays (23-25) in the last of a three-game division series at Yankee Stadium. The Blue Jays won the last game 8-4, and the series is currently tied 1-1. The game starts at 4:05 p.m. ET on Thursday, May. 26 and will air on RSN and YES.
In his most recent outing, Sabathia pitched 6.0 innings, allowing one run, striking out eight and walking one in an 8-3 victory over the Athletics. The Blue Jays were unsuccessful the last time Happ pitched. He went 7.1 innings, allowing three runs, striking out five and walking three in a 5-3 loss to the Twins. Michael Saunders (.312, 24 Rs, 9 HRs, 17 RBIs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and two RBIs.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. The Yankees have a SU record of 11-14 against teams in their division. Over their past 10 games, New York’s offense has been playing lights out, averaging 0.0 runs per game, well over their season average of 0.0. New York’s pitching staff has put it all together in the past 10 games. Its average runs allowed per game dropped to 0.0 during that span, compared to its 0.0 season average.
Against divisional foes, the Blue Jays are 7-10 SU. During the last 10 games, they averaged 0.0 runs per game, above their 0.0 season average. The last 10 games have really brought the best out of the Toronto pitchers. They’ve allowed 0.0 runs per game during that span, which is lower than their season average of 0.0. They also average just 7.2 hits allowed per road game, fourth-best in the AL. They also have some of the most overpowering arms in the AL with an average of 7.3 strikeouts per game.
The Blue Jays are 3-2 against the Yankees this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – TOR
Notes
Toronto has won 37% (7-12) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, New York has won 54% (13-11) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Blue Jays managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Yankees who are heading in with a 12-7 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Blue Jays are 17-6. The Yankees have a 17-2 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 25th, New York is near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 178 this season. Toronto ranks in the bottom half at 16th with 194.
Ranking 16th, New York is in the bottom half of the league in walks, notching 139 this season. Toronto ranks in the top 10 at sixth with 171.
When the Yankees hit at least one home run, they are 16-13, well-matched with the Blue Jays who are 20-14 when hitting one or more homers.
