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As of June 14, 2023, the Toronto Blue Jays were listed with 17-1 odds of winning the World Series. They were a few games up over the .500 mark but trailed in 4th place within the highly competitive AL East. The Blue Jays were winning 60 percent of their games.
Yusei Kikuchi vs. the Red Sox (July 1, 2023)
The Toronto Blue Jays come into this game with an advantage as they are 9-3 in the last 12 games played in Toronto. The Blue Jays have a slightly better record at 45-38 whereas Boston sits a game above the .500 mark. The Red Sox, however, are 5-0 in the last 5 meetings. This includes a win on Friday in Toronto.
Yusei Kikuchi (7-2, 3.75 ERA) is coming off a win against Oakland. He tossed seven innings of one-run ball Sunday as the Blue Jays steamrolled the A’s 12-1.
Prior to that game, Kikuschi threw six shutout innings against the Marlins, allowing just two hits and striking out six in a no-decision.
We know he is capable of pitching deep.
The Red Sox career statistics vs. Kikuchi are 14 of 54 (.259). He's allowed two homers and Alex Verdugo is 5 for 10 against him.
Kutter Crawford starts for Boston. He owns a 4.01 ERA and has permitted 14 hits on 37 at bats versus Toronto batters. None of those were home runs however. Matt Chapman is 3 for 5 against him with a double.
Crawford surrendered four runs in six innings Sunday in a loss to the White Sox but had a win in his prior start.
Toronto is the -159 favorite here as Boston has only won three of its last four games.
The Starting Pitchers
(June 14, 2023) - Jose Berrios owned a 6-4 record with a 3.61 ERA coming into this game against Baltimore. He threw a quality start against the Astros on June 8. Berrios allowed just two runs in six innings of play.
During a span of four games from May 23 through June 8, Berrios enjoyed four of his six wins.
Even when he hadn't factored into the decision, Berrios pitched well. He limited the Mets to one run in six innings and struck out six in the game sandwiched between the 3-1 performance and the win against Houston.
His last loss was versus the Yankees on May 18 where he permitted three runs over 6 2/3 innings.
Upcoming Games
Miami Marlins career statistics vs. Jose Berrios are just .200, 12 for 60 at bats. They have never homered against him.
Oakland Athletics career statistics vs. Jose Berrios are .349, 15 for 42 at bats. Ramon Laureano has given him fits (5 for 17, .292) but he's just .222 on the season.
Boston Red Sox career statistics vs. Jose Berrios are .247, 24 of 97 at bats with three home runs. Jarren Duran is 3 for 5 against him and has played well this season.
Reese McGuire is 3 for 7, .429 against him.
Tyler Wells 5-2, 3.24 ERA
Kyle Bradish 2-2, 3.90 ERA
Yusei Kikuchi 6-2, 4.34 ERA
- Mary Montgomery, Gambling911.com
