Toronto Blue Jays - Cleveland Indians

Toronto Blue Jays and Cleveland Indians will face off on Wednesday afternoon, October 19, at the Rogers Centre in the ALCS Game 5. The Blue Jays will send their ace Marco Estrada to the mound, who has done a terrific job in past playoff appearances: In the past 2 post seasons, he recorded solid 2.02 ERA in 36 innings, and secured some legacy in Toronto with his 7 2/3 innings of brilliance in last year's Game 5 of the ALCS vs. the Royals. Estrada also logged the first complete game of his MLB career this year in Game 1 vs. the Indians, but wound up on the losing end of the decision after allowing only 2 runs on 6 hits over 8 innings.  Thus, I expect him to do very well today, and keep the Toronto Blue Jays alive in the series. The Indians will counter with [almost unknown] young pitcher Ryan Merritt, who hasn't pitched in a game, since the strong start against the Royals in September. His record is 1-0 this year with 3.18 ERA, and 0.88 WHIP.  He did not pitch enough games to substantiate reliable stats.  Therefore, he is a potential risk for the Indians in Game 5. Today's date has a numerology of 38, which stands for "Will of God, to vanish, to lift, to be straight, to strive, fresh, strength".  With that said, I pick the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 5 with the spread of (+1.5 Runs).

UPDATE October 20, 2016 - FINAL Result: Toronto Blue Jays 0-3 Cleveland Indians. The Indians made it to the World Series yesterday with a surprising 3-0 win over the Blue Jays away from home in Game 5 of the ALCS. Unexpectedly, the rookie pitcher Ryan Merritt, with only one Major League start to his name, blanked Toronto's lineup and stayed long enough for ALCS MVP Award winner Andrew Miller and the team's bullpen to close the deal for him and the Indians.  Unfortunately, we lost on our free pick [2nd loss after a 20-Game winning Streak!], as the Playoffs this year are very tough and unpredictable - most of the favorites, as the Red Sox, Texas Rangers, Washington Nats, are already out of the competition.   For the first time since 1997, the Indians are the champions of the AL. This marks the 6th pennant for the Cleveland franchise, which has not won the World Series since the days of Bob Feller, Lou Boudreau and Larry Doby in 1948.  The 68-year drought is the second longest in the Major Leagues, trailing only the Cubs, who have not won it all since 1908. Cleveland is awaiting for the winner between Chicago and the Dodgers, who are currently tied 2-2 in the NLCS.  Game 1 of the World Series will be Tuesday at Progressive Field, so this will be the 1st time Cleveland Indians start a Fall Classic at home.