The 2015 MLB Playoffs have thus far been unconventional, to say the least. The ALDS series between the Toronto Blue Jays and Texas Rangers has been perhaps the most glaring example, and the two clubs will battle for a spot in the ALCS on Wednesday afternoon at 4:07 p.m. ET.
Here's what to expect in Game 5 of the ALDS in Toronto.
3. A Pitcher's Duel Between Marcus Stroman and Cole Hamels
These two faced off in Game 2 of the ALDS at the Rogers Centre and that game went to 14 innings as the Rangers took a quick 2-0 lead over the Blue Jays with the victory. However, Toronto stormed back to win two on the road in Texas, and here we are again with the same exciting pitching matchup.
In Game 2, both Hamels and Stroman went seven innings and took control after the wacky first two innings, which yielded six runs between the teams. Hamels allowed four runs (two earned) on six hits and Stroman surrendered four runs (three earned) on five hits and two walks.
This is nothing more than another day at the office for Hamels, who is 7-4 with a 3.05 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 83 strikeouts in 14 postseason starts (88 2/3 innings). However, Stroman is not to be overlooked. The right-hander roared back during his recovery from a torn ACL (which he suffered in spring training) to return to action this season. In five starts since being activated from the DL, Stroman is 4-0 with a 2.12 ERA.
These are two high-powered offenses, and although Toronto experienced an awakening during their two games in Texas (they scored 13 runs), each pitcher will be sure to carefully pick their spots and give every hitter very little to work with, just like they did in Game 2.
2. A Very Tired Rangers Bullpen
Here's the breakdown for each team's usage of their relievers in this series:
Texas
Jake Diekman: 5 IP, 63 pitches
Ross Ohlendorf: 3.1 IP, 50 pitches
Keone Kela: 3 IP, 41 pitches
Shawn Tolleson: 3 IP, 40 pitches
Sam Dyson: 3 IP, 39 pitches
Diekman, Ohlendorf, Kela and Dyson pitched in Game 4 as well, so their performance today (if any) could be affected by their many appearances already this postseason, on top of being used a ton during the regular season.
Toronto
Aaron Sanchez: 4 IP, 59 pitches
Roberto Osuna: 4 IP, 35 pitches
Mark Lowe: 1 IP, 27 pitches
Aaron Loup: 1 IP, 10 pitches
LaTroy Hawkins: 2/3 IP, 20 pitches
*Brett Cecil threw two innings and 27 pitches, but he tore his calf in Game 2
*Loup will not be available in Game 5, so Gibbons could use Liam Hendriks or Ryan Tepera today.
In hindsight, manager John Gibbons bringing in David Price for a three-inning relief appearance in Game 4 was actually a good decision. Although he gave up three runs, Price tossed some innings in preparation for the ALCS (if they make it) while preserving the Blue Jays' relievers. Perhaps Gibbons preferred to start Stroman after Price's poor Game 1 performance, as Stroman's outing was much more promising. Additionally, Price is 3-4 with a 5.15 ERA in 11 career starts against the Rangers in his career and has not recorded a win in the postseason as a starter.
1. Immense Pressure for Both Teams
The Rangers took the first two games at the Rogers Centre and then dropped the next two at home. The Blue Jays failed to deliver a win at home for their fans, who have been waiting 22 years for a playoff game.
There is a ton of pressure for each club to deliver. Toronto ended up battling back to get themselves a Game 5 matchup at home, which is certainly advantageous, but aside from the Chicago Cubs we've seen how the home teams have struggled this postseason. In the 2015 playoffs the home teams have a combined 7-11 record. In the first two games of the ALDS between these two clubs, the Blue Jays went 14-for-82 with two home runs and six RBIs.
As for Texas, they've been one game away from an ALCS berth since Friday. The Rangers had the Blue Jays exactly where they wanted them - down 0-2 and needing two wins on the road to stay alive. Well, Texas got embarrassed at home by a combined score of 13-5 and they'll need another road win to advance.
While the Blue Jays have home-field advantage and an offensive surge going for them, there's one thing to keep in mind about the Rangers: they won an ALDS just like this a few years back.
After taking down the Tampa Bay Rays in the first two games of the 2010 ALDS, the Rangers dropped the next two at home before going back to Tampa and winning Game 5. That year they relied on left-hander Cliff Lee to win the clincher, and they're doing the same with a new left-hander in 2015.
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