Tue., September 25 @ 7:05 p.m. ET
Burnett
9-7, 3.40
Scouting Report:
Blue Jays: Since returning from the disabled list on Aug. 12, Burnett has gone 4-1 with a 1.97 ERA in eight starts. Over that span, the right-hander has led the American League in ERA, innings (59 1/3) and opponents batting average (.167). Burnett has also compiled 57 strikeouts over that time period. In his last outing, Burnett came one out shy of a complete game in a victory over Boston. He struck out 11 and yielded three runs on nine hits, including one home run.
Vs
Burres
6-6, 5.27
Scouting Report:
Orioles: Burres will make what could be the final start of his season on Tuesday. The southpaw has made quite a bit of progress in his rookie season, showing the Orioles that he could help as either a reliever or swingman starter for several years to come. His path to the rotation is likely blocked, but Baltimore has a shortage of relievers under contract for next season.
Jays win 11-4
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Game 2
Wed., September 26 @ 7:05 p.m. ET
Halladay
15-7, 3.71
Scouting Report:
Blue Jays: In his final outing of 2007, Halladay will take the mound in search of his 16th win, which would equal his highest total since winning 22 in 2003. In his last start, the right-hander came within one out of his eighth complete game of the season, but was pulled as the Yankees were mounting a late comeback. Halladay was charged with four runs (one earned) on eight hits with four strikeouts, no walks and 18 groundouts. He?s 15-4 with a 2.79 ERA in 25 career starts against Baltimore, and is 1-0 with a 1.69 ERA in two outings against the O?s this season.
Vs
Zambrano
0-2, 6.41
Scouting Report:
Orioles: Zambrano fared well in his first Baltimore start, pitching five innings and allowing just one run in a game the Orioles eventually won, 6-3. The veteran right-hander has had two Tommy John surgeries on his pitching elbow during his career and is attempting to prove he can come back healthy next season. He's pitched for three teams this year -- starting with the Blue Jays, moving to the Pirates and then being snapped up by the Orioles off waivers. Zambrano is on pace to start the second of three against Toronto, provided that he gets through his next start without hurting himself or getting yanked from the rotation.
Jays win 8-5
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Game 3
Thu., September 27 @ 7:05 p.m. ET
Banks
0-0, 4.50
Scouting Report:
Blue Jays: Right-hander Shaun Marcum was scheduled to start in the finale against the Orioles, but he suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee during his last outing against the Yankees on Saturday. Marcum is scheduled to have season-ending surgery on his ailing knee on Wednesday, so Toronto will need to fill the gap in the rotation. Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said the start will go to rookie Josh Banks, who is from the Baltimore area. Banks, who is expected hundreds of family and friends to be in attendance, went 12-10 with a 4.63 ERA in 27 starts for Triple-A Syracuse this year.
Vs
Guthrie
7-5, 3.65
Scouting Report:
Orioles: Guthrie seems set to return Thursday from a strained left oblique, an injury that cost him two weeks worth of starts. The right-hander joined the Orioles as a winter waiver claim and has finally fulfilled the promise many saw when he was a first-round draft pick in Cleveland. Guthrie, who consistently throws his fastball in the high 90's, is all but entrenched in next year's rotation.
Orioles Win 8-5
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