Blue Jays vs Red Sox Preview: Pitching Duel in Boston

Toronto has already won the first two games of this series. The Blue Jays beat the Red Sox 6-1 on June 16, then shut them out 3-0 on June 17. You saw power on display—Schneider crushed a 419-foot homer, Giménez launched a 413-footer, and Springer went deep at 438 feet. Boston's bats have gone quiet against Toronto's pitching. Now the Red Sox face Trey Yesavage, a young prospect with major potential. Boston needs to wake up fast or this series gets away from them quickly.

Sonny Gray is Boston's starter today, and he's been solid this season with a 2-0 record and a 3.91 ERA. He's struck out 15 batters already. Gray has pitched for five different teams in his career, and he brings veteran smarts to a young Red Sox rotation. Boston desperately needs a strong outing from him. The Red Sox are 29-41 overall and have lost their last two games. Gray's experience could be the difference in keeping this team's season alive. Every win matters now for Boston.

The Blue Jays are riding a one-game winning streak and sitting at 35-38 overall. They're 21-18 at home and strong on the road too. Trey Yesavage is their young starter with real potential. Toronto's pitching staff won the World Series last year, so they know how to win big games. The Blue Jays have injuries to manage—Varsho could return tomorrow—but their core is healthy and hungry. Boston is 29-41 and struggling at home (12-23). If Toronto's bats stay hot like they've been, this game could get away from Boston early.