An interleague series will continue on Saturday afternoon, when the Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies battle from Citizens Bank Park. Last night, the Blue Jays raced out to a five-run lead after five innings and held on for a 6-5 victory. Justin Smoak hit his seventh home run and drove in two runs for Toronto, who is three games below .500 overall.
The Blue Jays will give the nod to thirty-one year old southpaw Jaime Garcia (2-3 6.28 ERA) on Friday. Through 38 plus innings this season, Garcia has struck out 38 batters and owns a subpar 1.66 WHIP.
The Philadelphia Phillies have won 28 of their first 48 games to start the season and are emerging as a contender for years to come. On Friday, SP Zach Eflin (1-1) was tagged for nine hits and six runs over four plus innings. Carlos Santana blasted a two-run home run in a losing effort for the Phillies.
Talented right-hander Aaron Nola (6-2 2.37 ERA) is emerging as the best pitcher in the Philadelphia rotation. Through 64 plus innings, Nola has allowed just four home runs and sports a solid 1.02 WHIP.
