The Jays came through with a huge victory Monday night, edging the Tampa Bay Rays 3-2.
Ezequiel Carrera was the unexpected hero, breaking a 2-2 eighth-inning tie with a pinch-hit home run that somehow made it over the left-field fence.
Ezequiel Carrera’s clutch home run was “sweep you off your feet” good. #OurMoment pic.twitter.com/RDgdDQm78f
— Blue Jays (@BlueJays) September 13, 2016
Tonight, Toronto looks to win 2 straight for the first time since August 28-29. They could certainly use another victory to keep up with Boston, which has won 5 of 6 to take a 2-game lead in the AL East.
Marcus Stroman will start for the Blue Jays, with the Rays sending struggling lefty Drew Smyly to the mound.
Here are 3 tips to consider if you plan on doing some Blue Jays betting tonight:
1. Blue Jays On The -1.5 Run Line
“I’m still learning.” On the education of Marcus Stroman in what has been a trying season for the 25-year-old righty https://t.co/twUDaJenQn
— Brendan Kennedy (@BKennedyStar) September 3, 2016
Stroman appears to have things together again. He’s surrendered 3 runs or less in 6 of his last 7 starts, and he struck out 8 Yankees in 5 innings last time out.
Meanwhile, Smyly just seems lost at the moment. He’s given up 9 runs in 8.2 innings over his last 2 starts, including 3 home runs.
When the Blue Jays win, they usually win big (or at least by 2+ runs). You can make the -1.5 run line bet at -103 odds at Pinnacle, instead of laying -200 or more on the moneyline.
2. Under 9
Drew Smyly pitching for TB tonight, 5 career games in TOR, 3-0, 1.23ERA, 0HR in 22IP
— Kevin Gibson (@TSNResearch) September 13, 2016
Though Smyly is struggling, he’s managed to do well at the Rogers Centre both this season and in his career.
Just last month, he threw 6 innings of 2-run ball to beat the Jays in Toronto. Smyly also has a 1.23 ERA in 5 career appearances at Rogers Centre.
The Jays offence has been held to 3 runs or less in 4 of their last 5 games.
3. Josh Donaldson Over 2.5 H+R+RBI
#BlueJays Josh Donaldson has 0 hits in his last 31 plate appearances (0-for-23, 8 BB) pic.twitter.com/2480c6Dl8z
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) September 12, 2016
We actually liked this bet last night, but Donaldson was scratched (rest).
A lot of the same logic applies today. Donaldson has been ice cold lately, but it won’t last forever. A day off might have also cured Donaldson’s head a bit.
He could easily break out tonight against Smyly, who he’s 9-for-19 against in his career with 3 home runs and 3 doubles.
The odds on this bet hadn’t been posted at Bodog when we wrote this, but you might want to look for it in their MLB props section.