The Toronto Blue Jays look to continue swinging a hot bat in Sunday’s series finale against the Texas Rangers.
After a 14-2 victory on Saturday, Toronto will aim for its 10th series sweep of the season and to extend Texas’ losing streak, which now stands at four games.
Both teams might find it more challenging to put up runs as Blue Jays starter Jose Berríos (9-4, 3.74 ERA) takes the ball against Texas star Nathan Eovaldi (10-3, 1.71 ERA) in what promises to be a tight matchup on the mound.
Myles Straw stole the show on Saturday with his first career multi-homer game and five RBIs in the win, while Daulton Varsho and Davis Schneider also went deep in the Blue Jays’ offensive outburst.
The victory pushed the Blue Jays’ home record to an American League-best 42-20, while the Rangers have lost eight of their last nine games.
Berrios is 3-1 with a 5.61 ERA in over seven career starts against Texas. He is coming off one of his steadiest outings of the summer against the Chicago Cubs, tossing 5.1 scoreless innings, allowing just two hits while working around four walks and striking out three.
It was Berrios’ first scoreless performance since late June, and it extended his personal winning streak to four decisions.
Eovaldi will look to get his team back on track and try to cool down the Blue Jays offence. The Rangers pitcher has limited opponents to two runs or fewer in six straight starts.
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Watch Blue Jays vs. Rangers on Sportsnet
The American League-leading Toronto Blue Jays continue their homestand with a three-game set against the Texas Rangers. Watch Sunday’s series finale on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ starting at 1:30 p.m. ET / 10:30 a.m. PT.
However, Eovaldi has had some struggles against the Blue Jays with a 1-3 record and a 5.62 ERA in 15 career games. In his last meeting against Toronto on May 27, Eovaldi only lasted two innings because of elbow inflammation that put him on the injured list.
For the Rangers, Marcus Semien’s status remains uncertain after resting Saturday with a sore right wrist. Without their leadoff catalyst, Texas has struggled to string together offence, though Corey Seager and Adolis García remain dangerous threats.
George Springer made his return from the injured list because of a concussion on Saturday. He batted leadoff for the first time this season and was 1-for-4 with a hit by pitch by former Blue Jay Rowdy Tellez.
First pitch for Sunday’s finale is set for 1:37 p.m. ET on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.
