Toronto Blue Jays hunting 12th straight win versus Mets

Jun 3, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Toronto Blue Jays manager John Gibbons (5) congratulates starting pitcher Mark Buehrle (56) after his complete game win over the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Toronto Blue Jays defeated Washington Nationals 8-0. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Game 1:  Monday, June 15th  –  7:10 ET (Citi Field)

Veteran lefty Mark Buehrle takes the ball for game one in New York, and his turnaround over the past month has been one of the driving forces behind Toronto’s recent rise in the AL East.  After his impressive back-to-back complete games, Buehrle lasted 6.0 innings in his last outing against the Miami Marlins, allowing just two runs while striking out three.

Former Blue Jays’ top prospect Noah Syndergaard has shown a little bit of everything since making his first start of the season on May 12th.  The righty looked very strong in his first four outings, but has hit a wall over his last two starts as he’s allowed 20 hits and 11 earned runs over 10.0 innings.  Still, there’s no denying his talent.

Syndergaard will work comfortably in the mid-90’s with his fastball, often touching 97 MPH.  He’ll also feature a sinker, changeup and a violently-breaking curveball later in counts.  His control has yet to be his downfall with just 1.56 BB/9, so Toronto’s best approach may be aggression at the dish.  The Blue Jays are on of the MLB’s stronger teams against hard-throwing pitchers.

Next: Game 2: David vs. Goliath on the mound