Whit Merrifield will be looking to extend his 18-game on-base streak as the Toronto Blue Jays (15-9) host the Chicago White Sox (7-17) at Rogers Centre on Wednesday with the home team eyeing a sweep of the three-game series.
The Blue Jays lead the series 2-0 after winning 7-0 on Tuesday. Starter Jose Berrios threw seven scoreless innings – striking out nine – to get the win.
Danny Jansen went 3 for 4 with two home runs, three runs, and four RBIs in the win. George Springer also went 3 for 4 with one RBI. Elvis Andrus was 1 for 2 for the White Sox.
ON THE MOUND
Michael Kopech (0-2, 6.97 ERA) is in line to get the start for Chicago. The RHP allowed five runs over five innings in his last start, an 8-7 road defeat against the Rays on Friday. He yielded six hits while striking out nine and walking four in the no-decision.
Kopech is making his first appearance against the Blue Jays this season. Kopech made one start against the Blue Jays in 2022, a 7-3 road loss on June 1. He surrendered five runs on six hits over three innings, striking out four and walking four.
For Toronto, left-hander Yusei Kikuchi (3-0, 3.80 ERA) will toe the rubber. It’s his first appearance of the season against the White Sox. In his last start on Friday, Kikuchi got the win on the road against the Yankees. He threw six innings and gave up one run on four hits, striking out three and walking two in the 6-1 victory.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Chicago has averaged only 2.6 runs a game, down from their season average of 4.0, while slashing worse across the board (.153/.225/.264).
Against southpaws like Kikuchi this season, the Sox have a .689 OPS. Andrus is the team’s strongest hitter against left-handers with a .675 OPS in 20 at-bats.
Toronto is averaging 5.0 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 4.7 for the season. The Jays have a .756 OPS against righties in 2023. With a .975 OPS over 60 at-bats, Matt Chapman has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Chicago is on a seven-game losing streak in road games, bringing their record to 4-11 in 2023. The Sox have scored 3.8 runs per game away from home, while allowing 4.9 runs.
Toronto has gone 6-2 at their home park this season, averaging 4.8 runs per game while surrendering 3.0. In the last 10 games at Rogers Centre between the teams, Toronto is 7-3 with an average scoreline of 4.8-3.5.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The White Sox are fourth in the AL Central, seven games behind the division-leading Twins. The Blue Jays are third in the AL East, five games behind the Rays.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Toronto Blue Jays (-190)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
