MLB Thursday Night Betting Preview: Toronto Blue Jays (66-81) vs. New York Yankees (85-63)

Date/Time: Thu, September 20 / 07:05:00 PM ET, Yankee Stadium, New York, New York

After sweeping a double header vs. the Blue Jays held on Wednesday at the Yankee Stadium, the Bronx Bombers will try to maintain their leadership in the AL East and score a three-game sweep over Toronto.

Due an unexpected rain delay in the series opener, the Yankees entered Wednesday's doubleheader tied with the Baltimore Orioles for the top spot in the division.

The Orioles won their game vs. the Seattle Mariners, but the Yankees answered with a solid doubleheader victory vs. the Blue Jays to retake a half-game edge over Baltimore. A third straight victory against Toronto will give the Yankees the chance to stretch their advantage to a full game. A loss will send the team back into a tie as Baltimore is idle.

Japanese outfielder Ichiro Suzuki was the star for the Yankees on Wednesday doubleheader, going a combined 7-for-8 in the two games. Suzuki’s aggressive game was essential in the 4-2 victory achieved in the first game, with three hits and two runs scored. Suzuki added another four hits in the nightcap, including a RBI single in the eighth inning that sealed a 2-1 win.

Game Odds:
Toronto Blue Jays: +1.5EV, ML +220  
New York Yankees: -1.5-120, ML -240
Game Total: 9.5, o/+105, u/-12

Oddsmakers are not expecting any surprises for tonight game. Yankees are favorite to win the match according to the latest reports in the Sports Betting Online world. The Yankees, who have won four straight and six of seven games, hold an 8-5 lead in the season series vs. Toronto. The Blue Jays have lost six of eight to match their low-water mark for the season at 15 games below .500.

For complete MBL Lines, click here.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays LH Aaron Laffey (3-5, 4.55 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Phil Hughes (15-12, 3.96)

The New York Yankees turn to Phil Hughes on Thursday when they try to maintain sole possession of first place in the AL East.

Hughes is coming off a scoreless outing at the Boston Red Sox on Thursday, allowing five hits and a walk in 7 1/3 innings. He also struck out seven, improving to 15-12 with a 3.96 earned run average in 29 starts this year.

Hughes has met mixed results in four starts against Toronto this season, but he achieved a victory over the Blue Jays in the most recent meeting, allowing one run over seven innings Aug. 28 in Toronto. He is 1-2 with a 4.63 ERA against the Blue Jays this season, and 10-4 with a 3.56 ERA in 15 home starts compared to 5-8 with a 4.43 ERA in 14 road starts.

Blue Jays’ Aaron Laffey has not found his best game yet.  He doesn't have a win since August 5^th.  In his latest turn as a starter, he allowed three runs over just 3 2/3 innings Friday against Boston after going just 4 2/3 innings in his previous outing. Laffey made one relief appearance against the Yankees this season, allowing two runs in 2 2/3 innings Aug. 27 in New York. He is 0-2 with a 9.56 ERA in five games (two starts) against the Yankees.