Toronto at Chicago

The Jays staff has been very hot, leading to a 6-2 mark over their last eight games. They have allowed less than two runs a game over these eight games and tonight will bring Roy Halladay to the mound. The Jays are 13-6 when he takes the mound. This is the best combination for the Jays - their ace and their lineup facing a LHP. It is no secret the Jays struggle against RHP, but are built to attack LHP. They are 18-11 on the season against southpaws, putting up 5.5 runs per game (vs. 4.5 against righties). Chicago gets just 4.3-rpg. When Halladay has started against a LHP the Jays are 5-1 this year, 9-3 last year and 4-1 in '05 or 18-5 the last three years. Some notable matchups? He has beaten Bedard twice, Sabathia and Santana twice, Randy Johnson and Buehrle this season already. With Halladay on the mound as a favorite of -100 to -150, the Jays are 16-4 the past two seasons. The Blue Jays own a distinct bullpen advantage here also (3.42 ERA vs. 5.91). Chicago is a losing team, even at home where they own a 23-27 mark. Hot team, hot pitcher and situational variables all come together in this one.