New York State of Mind: Blue Jays set to take on, “in-state,” rival in three-game series

By: Konze

With just 18 games remaining in the Toronto Blue Jays’ 2020 campaign, they are on a warpath and show no signs of stopping.

After stealing two out of three games from the New York Yankees (22-21), and winning 10 of their last 15 games, the Blue Jays (24-19) are set to take on the New York Mets (20-24) this weekend in a three game series.

The Blue Jays are in sole possession of second place in the American League East and are in control of their playoff destiny, while the Mets are 3-3 in their last six games and are on the outskirts of the National League playoff picture.

Here is why you should watch this weekends Blue Jays vs. Mets series.

Last time they met:

It’s been a little over two years since the Blue Jays and Mets last clashed for a nine-inning affair. The last time the Mets and Blue Jays met was fourth of July weekend in 2018 on fourth of July weekend. Both teams split the series.

He said What?: “Other teams would just take a day or night off. It’s just too much, too many games. This team hasn’t taken a day off. They go hard every game. I’m impressed by it, and I’m proud of the way they play every day. They don’t give up.” – Toronto Blue Jays manager, Charlie Montoyo

Players to Watch:

Blue Jays Outfielder, Lourdes Gurriel JrAfter a slow start to the 2020 MLB shortened season, Gurriel has finally started to provide some pop to this Blue Jays line. In the last 27 games, Gurriel started 23 of them and hit at a clip of .319/.381/.553 with five home runs and three steals.

With first baseman/ DH Rowdy Tellez out for the season and outfielder Teoscar Hernandez on the mend with an oblique strain, the Blue Jays will need more of this from Gurriel Jr. if they plan to make a deep postseason run.

Mets First Baseman, Pete Alonso Alonso has the ability to break open a game with his powerful swing. So far this season, he has 36 hits, 11 home runs, 26 RBIs, .234 BA and a .474 slugging percentage. The Blue Jays will have to find a way to keep runners off base when he steps up to the plate.

Magic Number (91.4): That is the percentage chance that the Blue Jays have of making the playoffs. If and when the Blue Jays make the playoffs it will be their eighth postseason appearance in its 43-year history and third in the last five years.

On the Hill:

RHP Chase Anderson will get the ball on Friday night to kickoff the series. In his last start against the Red Sox (15-29) last Saturday, Anderson gave up six runs on nine hits. He is 0-0 on the season with a 4.94 ERA and 21 strikeouts.

Two-time National League Cy Young Award winner RHP Jacob DeGrom will take the hill for the Mets. DeGrom is 3-1 record in eight starts this season and has compiled a 1.69 ERA to go along with 70 strikeouts.

First pitch is slated for 6:37PM

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