Guardians vs. Blue Jays (August 13): Will Toronto end Cleveland’s win streak?

The Cleveland Guardians picked up a big road win last night against one of the best home teams in MLB. This afternoon, the AL Central leaders will look to wrap up a series win in Toronto, while the Blue Jays will try to snap a three-game losing streak.

In last night's series opener, Jose Ramirez went 3 for 3 with a three-run homer and four RBI, and Cal Quantrill allowed just one hit in seven shutout innings as Cleveland blanked Toronto 8-0.

It was the sixth straight win for the Guardians, who maintained their 1.5-game lead over the Minnesota Twins in the AL Central.

For the Blue Jays, it was the first time they had been shut out since June 18 and the first time this season that they have been shut out by someone not from the AL East.

With the race for the three AL wild-card spots as tight as it is, Toronto can ill-afford letting their little skid continue. But the assignment doesn't get any easier today, as they face a pitcher coming off of one of the best starts of his MLB career.

Cleveland Guardians vs. Toronto Blue Jays Matchup Information and Betting Odds

Matchup Information

• Matchup: Cleveland Guardians (60-52, 31-30 away, 1st in the AL Central) vs. Toronto Blue Jays (60-51, 34-22 home, 2nd in the AL East)
• Venue & Location: Rogers Centre (Toronto, Canada)
• Date: Saturday, August 13, 2022
• Game Time: 3:07 p.m. Eastern Time
• Guardians vs. Blue Jays TV Info: ESPN+ (subscription service)

Guardians vs. Blue Jays Pitching Matchup

• Cleveland Guardians: Triston McKenzie (2022: 21 appearances – 20 starts, 8-8, 3.16 ERA)
• Toronto Blue Jays: Mitch White (2022: 16 appearances – 11 starts, 1-3, 3.86 ERA – 0-1, 5.79 ERA in one start with the Blue Jays)

Guardians vs. Blue Jays Odds

Game odds are via BetOnline. Odds from other top online betting sites may also be mentioned in this article.

Moneyline

• Cleveland Guardians +108
• Toronto Blue Jays -126

Over/Under

• Over 8.5 (-102)
• Under 8.5 (-120)

Run Line

• Cleveland Guardians +1.5 (-192)
• Toronto Blue Jays -1.5 (+158)

Which Trend Will Win Out Today in Toronto?

Cleveland One of MLB's Best After Wins

Two opposing trends are at play in today's matchup, just as they were in last night's game.

Entering today, the Guardians are 35-24 (win percentage of .593) following a win this season. That ranks fifth in MLB, behind only the Dodgers (56-20, .737), Yankees (46-25, .648, Phillies (38-24, .613), and Astros (43-29, .597).

Great pitching has keyed Cleveland's current six-game win streak. Their most recent loss came on August 5, a 9-3 loss at Houston. In the six wins since, they have allowed just eight runs.

Last night's win was the second shutout of the streak, with the first coming in McKenzie's last start. Against the Astros last Sunday, McKenzie allowed two hits and one walk and struck out eight in eight shutout innings, picking up the win in the Guardians' 1-0 win.

In his last seven starts, McKenzie is 4-2 with a 1.70 ERA. In 47.2 innings, he has allowed ten runs (nine earned), 27 hits, and 12 walks and struck out 48.

The 25-year-old righty has a 1.86 ERA in 11 daytime appearances (10 starts), compared to a 4.62 ERA in ten nighttime starts, which augurs well for another strong outing for him.

Toronto Remains One of MLB's Best After Losses

Despite consecutive additions to the loss column, the Blue Jays are still one of the best teams in the league in bouncing back from losses.

Entering today, Toronto is 30-20 (win percentage of .600) following a loss this season, which ties them with the Cardinals for sixth in the league. Only the Mets (30-9, .769), Astros (29-12, .707), Braves (32-14, .696), Twins (33-20, .623), and Dodgers (20-13, .606) are ahead of them.

After winning 14 of 18, the Blue Jays have dropped five of their last six games. Where good pitching has fueled Cleveland's win streak, poor pitching has been a factor in Toronto's recent rut.

In their last five losses, they have allowed at least six runs in each game. In their 14-4 run, they allowed 6+ runs only once.

White went at least five full innings in his four July starts with the Dodgers, but he lasted only 4.2 innings in his Blue Jays debut last Saturday at Minnesota, allowing three runs, six hits, and a walk and taking the loss in the Twins' 7-3 win.

Cleveland Guardians vs. Toronto Blue Jays Prediction & Picks

Guardians vs. Blue Jays Prediction: Blue Jays to win

Guardians vs. Blue Jays Picks: Blue Jays ML (Best Value: -125 at Bovada Sportsbook & BetUS)

Cleveland is hot right now, while Toronto is not. But the Blue Jays are one of the best home teams in the league, and I like them to avoid a fourth straight loss.

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• Guardians vs. Blue Jays Odds, Stats & Trends (8/13)