Toronto Blue Jays vs. Boston Red Sox: AL East Rivals Close Out a 3-Game Series at Fenway Park

The Toronto Blue Jays (38-36) and Boston Red Sox (39-35) will close out a three-game American League East series on Wednesday afternoon at Fenway Park, with the first pitch scheduled for 1:35 ET

Toronto Blue Jays at Boston Red Sox

Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz has had great success against left-handed pitching in 2012

Toronto let one slip away on Tuesday night, giving up five combined runs in the seventh and eight innings, suffering a 5-1 setback to Boston. The Blue Jays were held to under six runs for just the third time in their last 10 games, but could break out in a big way for their starter in this affair. Offensively, the team has scored at least four runs in each of Ricky Romero’s last six outings. Toronto is 5-5 as a road underdog of +100 to +125 this season, with the “over” going 6-4 in those contests.

Romero (8-1, 4.34 ERA) has led the club to five consecutive wins, including a 12-5 road victory over the Miami Marlins in his last effort, giving up four runs and seven hits over seven frames. The left-hander is 3-1 with a 4.84 ERA in eight road outings, issuing 29 walks and striking out 33 batters. In 14 career games versus the Red Sox, Romero has tallied a 5-6 record and 6.45 ERA, including an even 3-3 mark and 5.85 ERA in seven outings at this ball park.

Boston is averaging just over seven runs per game during its last eight games, while winning eight of its last 10 games overall. The Red Sox came into last night’s affair leading the majors with 274 extra-base hits, which has played a big part in leading the club to a 16-9 record against southpaw starters this year. Designated hitter David Ortiz leads all players with nine home runs against left-handed pitching this year. Boston is 11-4 as a home favorite of -125 to -150, while the “over” is 13-1 in that situation.

Red Sox starting pitcher Jon Lester (4-5, 4.48 ERA) was handed a 4-1 home loss by the Atlanta Braves in his last effort, giving up three runs and 10 hits over seven frames. The left-hander is 1-3 with a 5.66 ERA in eight home outings, as opposing hitters are batting .313 against him. In 19 career starts versus the Blue Jays, Lester has compiled a 10-5 record and 3.08 ERA, including a 4-1 mark and 2.61 ERA in seven home appearances in the series.