It feels as if the Toronto Blue Jays are taking a step forward, then taking two steps back.

After defeating the Houston Astros in the series opener on Monday to reach .500, the Jays squandered the final two games. Then on Thursday, the Jays lost the series opener against the Texas Rangers after falling into a 6-0 hole. They attempted to fight back, scoring five, but just couldn’t find the game-tying run.

If they wish to finish this series at .500, they’ll need to win the remaining three games. The first of those three games is on Friday evening, with Patrick Corbin starting for the Blue Jays.

Corbin’s June hasn’t been great. In four starts, the southpaw is rocking an 8.22 ERA and 6.17 FIP in 15.1 innings pitched. His last time out, Corbin allowed three earned runs in three and two-thirds against the Chicago Cubs, a game which the Jays happened to win.

The Rangers will counter with veteran Nathan Eovaldi. This season, the 36-year-old has a 4.24 ERA and 4.40 FIP in 93.1 innings of work, with a 23.7 K% and 5.7 BB%. Last season, the veteran had a 1.73 ERA and 2.80 FIP in 130 innings of work, his career-best season.

There are four left-handed hitters and a switch hitter in the lineup. Nathan Lukes bats second, Daulton Varsho bats fifth, Jesús Sánchez bats seventh, and Andrés Giménez bats ninth. George Springer leads off, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. bats third, Kazuma Okamoto bats cleanup, and All-Star Ernie Clement bats sixth. Switch hitting catcher Brandon Valenzuela bats eighth and is tasked with catching Corbin.

Let’s set up Friday evening’s game!

Toronto Blue Jays – Patrick Corbin: 2-3 record, 4.73 ERA, 93.1 IP, 92 SO, 22 BB

Texas Rangers – Nathan Eovaldi:  7-7 record, 4.24 ERA, 64.2 IP, 47 SO, 23 BB