Seems like a big one.
Somewhat refreshed from an off-day, the Bluebirds welcome the orange birds to town with first place in the division (potentially) on the line. Coming into this series Baltimore has lost three in a row to rather unimpressive teams (Twins, Rockies twice) but you expect they'll be coming into this thing ready and eager to defend their slight yet fluffy 1.5 game division cushion.
MATCHUPS!
FRI 7:07 -- Gausman (2-7, 3.77) v. Estrada (5-4, 2.94)
SAT 1:07 -- Gallardo (3-2, 5.37) v. Happ (13-3, 3.27)
SUN 1:07 -- Tillman (14-3, 3.47) v. Sanchez (11-1, 2.72)
Watch Out For...
Mark Trumbo. Because I dunno, I'm certain he's gonna hit at least one home run this series. I feels it in me bones, sonny!
Implications in the standings aside, this is an intriguing series for many reasons. Two high-end offenses that rely heavily on home runs, a pair of star third basemen both among the most valuable players in the game, heck even the pitching matchups are individually interesting. You get the whole flipping-Estrada/Dickey payoff or failure Friday night, the frustrating smoke and mirrors Blue Jay killing bag of Yovani Gallardo against seemingly invincible (baseballs actually bounce harmlessly off his chest!) win-hoarder J.A Happ Saturday afternoon, and finally a Sunday special of two starters with a combined 25-4 record. Should be good.
Be nice to win a few.
https://www.battersbox.ca/article.php?story=20160729131640318