On Thursday, an MLB matchup between the Detroit Tigers and the Toronto Blue Jays will take place at the Rogers Centre.
Despite having a 40-59 overall record going into this game, the Detroit Tigers are coming off a series against the San Diego Padres in which they were able to win two out of the three games. On their path to victory on Wednesday, the Tigers scored four runs. The Tigers’ offence has generally struggled this season, scoring 3.23 runs per game, which ranks 30th in the league. Javier Baez has 38 RBIs and nine home runs to his credit.
The Blue Jays enter this game with a record of 54-44 overall, and prior to their 6-1 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday, they had won seven straight games. The Blue Jays offence has been good overall this season, averaging 4.93 runs per game, third highest in the league. Vladimir Guerrero is enjoying a good season so far, hitting 21 home runs and accumulating 62 RBIs.
Tyler Alexander, who is now pitching for the Tigers, has a 2-3 record with a 4.05 ERA. He pitched three innings against the Minnesota Twins in his most recent start, surrendering just one hit and no runs.
Yusei Kikuchi, a pitcher with the Blue Jays, is currently on the mound and has a 3-5 record with a 3.12 ERA. His most recent start against the Athletics saw him go 2.1 innings while allowing two hits and four runs.
The Tigers have lost all four of Alexander’s previous starts. In their last eight games overall, the Blue Jays have a 7-1 record. In Alexander’s previous seven games as an underdog, the under is 7-0.
Though they might not be the most popular play on Thursday night, I believe the Tigers to be the only option. Kikuchi has been terrible, regardless of the opponent. He gave up four runs in 2.1 innings against one of baseball’s poorest offences, the A’s.
Free Pick: Toronto Blue Jays
