Athletics, Blue Jays Set for Series Finale After Two Tight Contests

TORONTO (Interstat) — The Athletics will look to avoid a season-opening sweep when they face the Toronto Blue Jays in the finale of a three-game series Sunday afternoon at Rogers Centre.

The Blue Jays (2-0) have taken the first two games by one run, including an 8-7, 11-inning victory Saturday. (0-2) has shown fight, erasing a five-run deficit in the late innings Saturday before ultimately falling.

A player to watch for the Athletics is catcher Shea Langeliers, who has powered the offense early. In the first two games, he is 5 for 8 with three home runs and six RBIs. In Saturday’s loss, he went 2 for 4 with a homer and four RBIs.

The Blue Jays will counter with right-hander Dylan Cease (1-0), who was dominant in his season debut. In Saturday’s win, Cease struck out 12 over 5 1/3 innings, allowing one earned run on three hits.

Oakland is expected to start left-hander Eric Lauer. The Athletics’ bullpen has been taxed, logging 7 2/3 innings over the first two games.

Despite Toronto’s perfect start and being installed as a -1.5 favorite, Interstat’s game simulator projects a low-scoring, 2-1 Athletics victory. The over/under for the game is set at 8.5 runs.

Following the game, the Athletics travel to Atlanta for a three-game set beginning Monday. The Blue Jays will remain home to open a series against the Colorado Rockies on Monday.