The Toronto Blue Jays almost had another series win on the books last night, but struggled to produce runs in the tenth inning and let the Guardians sneak away with the win in extras. Max Scherzer went five innings in his first start back from the IL and allowed three earned runs, six hits, and three walks on 83 pitches. He also struck out four.

Toronto and Cleveland were tied for a majority of the game heading into the later innings before the Guardians pulled away in extras.

Heading to the mound for the Blue Jays this afternoon is Kevin Gausman, who is looking to buck the current rut he is in. Through June, Gausman has allowed 17 earned runs across 20 innings and owns a 7.65 ERA and a 5.47 FIP. Opponents are finding ways to get hits off of him (5.8 per game), and he’s walked 12 batters in the span, averaging three per game. Gausman had a strong May run (10 earned runs through five starts and 32 innings), so this outing against Cleveland will have the right-hander looking to end the month on a high note and turn things over into July.

For his career at Progressive Field, Gausman owns a 1.64 ERA through four outings (three starts) and has allowed just four runs and 15 hits through 22 innings of work. Earlier this season at the Rogers Centre, the Blue Jays starter limited the Guardians to just one hit and one walk while striking out nine across six innings, but the Jays eventually dropped the game late.

Toeing the rubber for Cleveland this afternoon is right-hander Tanner Bibee.

Entering his third year in the big leagues, this will be his 16th start of the season. The Guardians’ rotation arm has been strong again this season and enters today’s contest having allowed just 11 earned runs this month (3.86 ERA). Bibee works with a six-pitch mix, relying heavily on his four-seamer and sweeper while mixing in his cutter, sinker and changeup to get batters out. He also throws a curveball at a 4.3% rate to give hitters another look at a different breaking pitch than the sweeper, which is his best pitch so far this season (+5 run value).

The 26-year-old faced the Blue Jays back on May 4th and went five innings, allowing just five hits and two earned runs in the eventual win, earning the decision. The Guardians have lost four out of the last five games Bibee has started, mostly attributed to the lack of run support he has gotten. In his most recent outing in Sacramento, Bibee pitched a complete eight-inning game against the Athletics but earned the loss, allowing four earned (five runs total) and 11 hits on the day while the offence provided him with just one run of support.

Lineup-wise, the Jays are employing five batters who can hit from the left side, with switch-hitters Tyler Heineman and Jonatan Clase slotting into the order. Addison Barger will hit behind Guerrero Jr. in the cleanup spot while Nathan Lukes will bat second and play right field. It is an off-day for George Springer, with Bo Bichette occupying the DH spot and Ernie Clement covering shortstop.

The weather in the area may cause some issues, as there is overcast and a chance of rain this afternoon.

Location: Progressive Field – Cleveland, Ohio

First Pitch: 1:10 PM EST

Watch/Listen: Sportsnet / Sportsnet 590 The Fan

Toronto Blue Jays – Kevin Gausman: 5-6 record, 4.60 ERA, 86 IP, 84 SO, 24 BB

Cleveland Guardians – Tanner Bibee: 4-7 record, 3.86 ERA, 88 2/3 IP, 75 SO, 26 BB