Visitors ask lefty to come through in big spot
J.A. Happ finally had his postseason breakthrough last Friday. In order to avoid falling into an 0-2 hole in the ALCS, the Blue Jays need the southpaw to deliver a weekend special.
Toronto and Cleveland square off this afternoon, with a 4:08 p.m. ET first pitch at Progressive Field. Online sports book Bovada.lv gives the visiting club odds of -134 to take care of business, whereas the Indians represent +124 underdogs. The over/under run total rests at 8.5.
On Friday, three Tribe hurlers combined on a seven-hit shutout in a 2-0 triumph. To make matter worse for the visitors, second baseman Devon Travis left in the fifth inning with a leg injury. John Gibbons’ leadoff man also missed Games 3 and 4 of the Division Series vs. Texas due to a right knee bruise.
With runs figuring to be at a premium, Happ must step up again. A little/more less than a week ago, the 33-year-old veteran limited the Rangers to one run over five innings. He also fanned five batters, securing his first playoff win in nine appearances. Happ owns a 3-1 record with a 2.96 ERA in five career meetings with the Indians.
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His counterpart: Josh Tomin, who authored a similarly impressive performance in Cleveland’s ALDS-clinching win over the Red Sox. The righty went five frames and reached deep into his repertoire to keep the East Division champs off balance. Yet he was 0-1 with a 1.84 WHIP in two starts against Toronto this year.
Cleveland’s leading a seven-game playoff series 1-0 for the first time ever. How will Terry Francona’s troops handle prosperity? We’re still not sold on Tomlin’s ability to give the squad six or seven frames, which it truly nights following Andrew Miller and Cody Allen’s extended efforts about 14 hours ago. Expect the Blue Jays to even this set before heading back to Canada.
SATURDAY MLB FREE PICK: BLUE JAYS/INDIANS OVER 8.5 RUNS