June 7 MLB Toronto vs Baltimore Overseas Baseball Analysis Sports Analysis
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Toronto Blue Jays, who escaped a losing streak with Isaiah Kiner-Falefa's walk-off hit, will send Yusei Kikuchi (2 wins, 5 losses, 3.66 ERA) to challenge for his third win of the season. On the 2nd, Kikuchi showed his vulnerability in day games with a poor performance in his home game against Pittsburgh, giving up 9 hits and 6 earned runs in 5.1 innings. Though Kikuchi managed to pitch 4.1 innings and gave up 1 run in the away game against Baltimore on May 16th, it is critical to note that this game, too, is a daytime one. Toronto's batting lineup, which scored 3 runs against Suarez and Kimbrel in the previous game, still appears to be weak. The final score might not have been possible without Craig Kimbrel's error. The bullpen, which held strong for 3 innings, is gaining significant support from the return of Chad Green.
Baltimore Orioles, whose slumping offense led to a close defeat, will have Cade Povich making his Major League debut. Povich, who joined Baltimore from Minnesota in the Jorge López trade, is currently ranked as the team's top left-handed pitching prospect. Known for his changeup and control, his stats at AAA, including a 3.18 ERA, 75 strikeouts in 56.2 innings, and a .203 batting average against, cannot be underestimated. In the previous game, Baltimore's lineup managed only 2 runs, including Anthony Santander's solo home run against Jose Berrios, a feat attributed mainly to facing an ace pitcher. For the team to score, Gunnar Henderson needs to be active. Craig Kimbrel, who conceded the winning run with a pickoff error, should not pitch in tie situations.
Toronto finally broke their losing streak by relying on their ace pitcher. The issue remains that Kikuchi is notably weak in daytime games, which could be disastrous for Toronto. Although Baltimore's lineup also struggles against left-handed pitchers, Toronto's is even worse, and if it turns into a slugfest, Baltimore holds the advantage. Baltimore Orioles have a higher chance of winning due to their superior power.
Expected Score: Baltimore wins 6-4
Handicap: Baltimore wins
Under/Over: Over