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Mark Trumbo #45 of the Baltimore Orioles hits a two-run double in the first inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on July 29, 2016 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
(July 29, 2016 - Source: Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images North America)
The Toronto Blue Jays host the Baltimore Orioles in the AL Wild Card Game to determine Texas’ opponent in the AL Division Series.
Starters
Both teams announced their starting pitchers on Monday. Chris Tillman will be on the mound for Baltimore and Marcus Stroman got the nod over Francisco Liriano to start for Toronto.
Chris Tillman (16-6) finished the season with a 3.77 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP. Opponents were batting .244 against him. He faced the Blue Jays four times this season, earning one win and an ERA of 3.63 with a 1.30 WHIP. In two games at Rogers Centre he finished with a 2.38 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP.
Chris Tillman developed a nasty cutter this season, which has become his best and most effective pitch.
Marcus Stroman (9-10) had a 4.37 ERA with a 1.29 WHIP this season and a batting average against of .264. He went 1-2 in four games against Baltimore this year and suffered a 7.04 ERA with a 1.61 WHIP as the Orioles were batting .344 against him.
The righty faced the Orioles twice at home this season, getting one loss and a 5.84 ERA with a 1.62 WHIP. In 16 home games Marcus Stroman went 4-3 with a 4.59 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP.
Marcus Stroman is a fastball pitcher who likes to mix in some sliders and cutters.
Batters
Both teams possess a lot of power. In fact, the Orioles led the league with 253 home runs this season. DH Mark Trumbo (47), who also led the Majors in this category, 1B Chris Davis (38) and 3B Manny Machado (37) are Baltimore’s most dangerous sluggers.
Toronto hit 223 long balls this season, with 1B Edwin Encarnacion (42) and 3B Josh Donaldson (37) leading the way for the Blue Jays.
The Orioles had a better batting average (.256 to .248), OPS (.760 to .755) and fielding percentage (.987 to .986) than the Blue Jays this season.
Bullpen
Baltimore’s bullpen ranked 3rd this season with a 3.40 ERA and a .243 BAA. Zach Britton is arguably the best closer in the league, finishing the season with a 0.54 ERA, the lowest ever by a reliever, and a 0.84 WHIP. He converted each of his 47 save opportunities and hasn’t given up an earned run since 24 August.
Toronto’s bullpen finished the season with a 4.11 ERA, ranking them 22nd in the league, and a BAA of .254. CL Roberto Osuna mustered 36 saves in 42 opportunities this season. He wound up with a 2.68 ERA and a 0.93 WHIP this year.
Prediction
The Blue Jays won the season-series with a 10-9 record, including 6-4 at home. The fans will create a loud and noisy atmosphere at Rogers Centre and attempt to cheer their team to victory. All things considered, though, the victory in the Wild Card Battle of the Birds will go to the Orioles. While the lineups are fairly evenly matched, the pitching matchup is in Baltimore’s favor and I expect the Orioles to lead by the time the starters give the ball to their managers. Baltimore’s bullpen will be able to hold the lead and Zach Britton will close out the game should he be required to pitch.
