Live Game Thread: Tampa Bay Rays vs Toronto Blue Jays

Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

TB: Chris Archer (3-2, 4.11 ERA) vs TOR: Liam Hendricks (1-0, 1.59 ERA)

After securing their fifth straight series victory the Toronto Blue Jays look to win their ninth game in a row. This has been an historical month of May for the Blue Jays especially for slugger Edwin Encarnacion who tied a franchise record of most homeruns hit in a single month with 14 last night.

This is where Toronto can really slay some demons. Tampa Bay has been a team who seem to just beat up on the Blue Jays year after year. In order for Toronto to prove to themselves and to fans that they are not a one-month-wonder they have to beat a Tampa Bay team that have owned them in recent years. It is hard enough to sweep any major league team but to have a 8-game win steak on the line as well will prove Toronto’s mental toughness.

Chris Archer will be on the mound for Tampa Bay who is coming off a six inning of shutout baseball against the Boston Red Sox. Archer earned his first victory of the season against the Blue Jays where he went six strong innings and allowed only two earn runs.

Liam Hendricks will be making his second start for Toronto tonight. Hendricks was called up in the middle of this winning streak to take over the rotation spot that Dustin McGowan left vacant after he returned to the bullpen.  In his season debut Liam went 5.2 innings and allowed only a earn run to a Oakland team who is one of the best teams in the AL.

Is it possible for Toronto to extend their win streak to nine games and reach 10 games over .500? Join the discussion starting game time with myself as we discuss the Blue Jays.

Tampa Bay Rays’ Lineup (via Tampa Bay’s Twitter account)

Toronto Blue Jays’ Lineup (via Shi Davidi)