Let's try to make it 3 nights in a row cashing a same game parlay after hitting with the Padres/Nationals last night and the Field of Dreams game the night before. The Blue Jays were unable to take advantage of their matchup last night and get the series-opening win against the Guardians. They had been off since Tuesday, and faced a starter in Cal Quantrill who struggles on the road. That was an inexcusable loss for a team that is battling for an AL wild-card spot. Meanwhile, Cleveland will be looking to take Saturday's game as they are in the midst of a heated AL Central race. They'll also be on more even footing with Toronto in terms of both rest and starters on the mound. Along with this same game parlay, be sure to check out our thoughts on the side and total for all of today's games.
Let's take a closer look at each leg of our same game parlay.
Cleveland Guardians ML (+105) over Toronto Blue Jays
Home-field advantage is always a factor for any team; however, it's been even greater for the Blue Jays this season. Canadian vaccination restrictions have forced several teams to take on the Jays while missing several key players. Despite that, Toronto has struggled in those situations and lost as favorites of greater than -300 to teams such as the Tigers and Royals. Those are the weakest teams in the AL Central, and some of the worst overall. This series is against a much more formidable Guardians, who dominated in last night's win. They also aren't missing 10 players like the Royals. Instead, they are without just one reliever. That is still a blow to Cleveland, as they rely on their bullpen, but they still have an all-star closer in Emmanuel Clase.'
It's also likely that he won't have too much stress on him with Triston McKenzie getting the start. He's been great as of late, and pitched 8.0 full innings in his most recent start. McKenzie has also led the Guardians to some huge wins. One was against another AL East team in the Yankees, and his most recent was the most impressive. That 8.0-inning performance was against the American League-best Astros, in which he allowed just 2 hits and no runs. If McKenzie and the Guardians can take down the best AL teams behind his starts, they can handle a Jays team that has proved to be inconsistent at home.