GDB 115.0: Can the Blue Jays win the rubber match against the Orioles?
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
By Zach Laing
Aug 8, 2024, 15:00 EDTUpdated: Aug 8, 2024, 16:06 EDT
In their final series against the Baltimore Orioles this year, the Toronto Blue Jays have their first series win against them in sight.
Toronto, as has been the case for the last number of years, have continued to struggle against the O’s and that was on full display Wednesday, dropping a 7-3 decision as Anthony Santander hit two home runs and Jackson Holiday added another. But on Thursday, they have a chance to put together another win like they did on Tuesday, and a chance to feel good about the outcome of this set.
With Kevin Gausman on the mound in search of another solid start at home, the Orioles will respond with Dean Kremer. Gausman continues to have significant home and away splits this year, allowing a 6.39 ERA and .838 OPS to opposing batters at home, going 3-5, while posting a 2.74 ERA and .654 OPS on the road.
His last two home starts, taking on the Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers, both were better, allowing a 4.02 ERA and .537 OPS to opposing batters, so things could be trending in the right direction with the home stretch of the season in full swing.
First pitch: 7:07 p.m. EST.
TV & Radio: Sportsnet, SN590.
Odds via Bet365:
Moneyline: TOR -110; BAL -110.
Spread: TOR +1.5 -170; BAL -1.5 +145.
Over/Under: o9 -110; u9 -110
Spread: TOR +1.5 -170; BAL -1.5 +145.
Over/Under: o9 -110; u9 -110
*Odds at the time of publishing. Odds subject to change.
Starting pitchers:
| Name | Team | GS | W | L | IP | ERA | xERA | ERA- | FIP | WHIP | K/9 | BB/9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kevin Gausman | TOR | 22 | 9 | 8 | 124.1 | 4.56 | 5.09 | 113 | 4.05 | 1.30 | 8.61 | 2.61 |
Dean Kremer | BAL | 15 | 4 | 8 | 80.0 | 4.39 | 5.03 | 110 | 4.81 | 1.25 | 8.44 | 3.49 |
Lineups:
BLUE JAYS:
- G Springer (R) DH
- D Varsho (L) CF
- V Guerrero Jr. (R) 1B
- S Horwitz (L) 2B
- A Kirk (R) C
- J Loperfido (L) LF
- E Clement (R) 3B
- A Barger (L) RF
- L Jiménez (R) SS
ORIOLES:
- C Cowser (L) LF
- A Santander (S) DH
- G Henderson (L) SS
- R O’Hearn (L) RF
- A Rutschman (S) C
- R Mountcastle (R) 1B
- J Holliday (L) 2B
- C Mullins (L) CF
- R Urías (R) 3B
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Zach Laing is the Nation Network’s news director and senior columnist. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach@thenationnetwork.com.