Toronto Blue Jays - Los Angeles Angels

Toronto opens a 4-four-game series with the Angels on Thursday.  The Blue Jays dropped two of three against the American League East-leading Red Sox and the last-place Rays. Toronto is in the thick of both the AL East and AL Wild Card races, two back of Boston in the division and holding down the second Wild Card spot.  Toronto will give the ball to their left-hander ace J.A. Happ, who shut down the Red Sox his last time out. The hard-throwing southpaw limited Boston to 2-two runs over 6-six innings while striking out 5-five and walking just 1-one.  His overall record is 18-4, and 7-2 in away games played this year with 3.59 ERA, thus, he is the favorite to win tonight.  Seeking his first Major League win, righty Daniel Wright makes his second start with the Angels. In his first start Saturday, Wright allowed 4-four runs in 5-five innings in a no-decision against the Rangers. He is 0-1 at home this year with poor 7.11 ERA.  With that said, I am picking Toronto with the spread of (+1.5) runs.

UPDATE September 16, 2016 - FINAL Result: Toronto Blue Jays  7-2  Los Angeles Angels. The Blue Jays are back in the race for the top playoff spot in the AL East.  Their ace Happ allowed two runs over six-plus innings to pick up his 19th victory in the Blue Jays' 7-2 win over the Angels on Thursday night at Angel Stadium. Toronto kept pace with first-place Boston while also moving into a tie with Baltimore for the first American League Wild Card place.  J.A. Happ pitched six-plus innings, permitting one earned run on three hits and three walks while striking out three to earn his 19th win.  He limited the Angels to 3-three hits and 3-three walks, while striking out three, and with that, became the first Toronto pitcher to win 19 games since Roy Halladay had 19 in 2008. Happ is one away from tying David Wells' record for most wins by a Blue Jays left-hander, set in 2000.