Toronto has a chance to win series against the Angels

Blue Jays Gameday (April 21): Toronto has a chance to win series against the Angels

In March, the Blue Jays began the season 3-0 thanks to a sweep of the Athletics. They have struggled ever since. After their series loss to the Diamondbacks over the weekend, they’ve lost six consecutive series dating back to that three-game sweep. The good news is that they’re starting to play like they did last season.

Sunday’s game saw the Blue Jays score eight runs in the first inning, with the first eight hitters reaching base. Their good play continued on Monday, overcoming a Los Angeles Angels lead with a home run, then beating them with small ball. And now, the Jays have a chance to win three consecutive games since the start of the season.

Starting the game for the Blue Jays is Patrick Corbin, his third start since joining the team. The first didn’t go well, with Corbin giving up four earned runs in four innings. He latest start went much better, giving up just one earned runs in five and two-thirds innings in Milwaukee.

For the Angels, Jack Kochanowicz will make his fourth start of the season. He made his debut in 2023, where the 6’7″ righty posted a 3.99 ERA and 4.62 FIP in 65.1 innings pitched. Last season was a tough one, but it appears he’s rebounded. In the four starts this season, the 25-year-old has a 3.47 ERA and 4.08 FIP in 23.1 innings pitched.

Patience is the key against Kochanowicz, as he’s struck out 18 batters (18.2 K%) and walked 15 of them (15.2 BB%). He’s only given up one home run this season.

Nathan Lukes leads off again, followed by Ernie Clement and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The latter hit a home run in Monday’s affair. With a righty on the mound, Jesús Sánchez returns to the cleanup spot, followed by Eloy Jiménez. Daulton Varsho moves up a spot in the lineup, while Kazuma Okamoto bats seventh.

Andrés Giménez came off the bench for the first time on Monday, but he returns to the lineup in his usual eighth spot. Tyler Heineman will be available off the bench, as Brandon Valenzuela gets the start behind the plate.

Let’s set up Tuesday evening’s game!

Location: Anaheim, California

First Pitch: 9:38 PM ET

Watch/Listen: Sportsnet 1, SN 590

Starting Pitchers

Toronto Blue Jays – Patrick Corbin: 0-0 record, 4.66 ERA, 9.2 IP, 9 SO, 2 BB

Los Angeles Angels – Jack Kochanowicz: 2-0 record, 3.47 ERA, 23.1 IP, 18 SO, 15 BB

Lineups:

Blue Jays:

Nathan Lukes – LF
Ernie Clement – 2B
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – 1B
Jesús Sánchez – RF
Eloy Jiménez – DH
Daulton Varsho – CF
Kazuma Okamoto – 3B
Andrés Giménez – SS
Brandon Valenzuela – C

Angels:

Zach Neto – SS
Mike Trout – CF
Jo Adell – RF
Jorge Soler – DH
Oswald Peraza – 3B
Nolan Schaunel – 1B
Vaughn Grissom – 2B
Logan O’Hoppe – C
Bryce Teodosio – LF

Starting Pitchers

Lineups:

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