MLB Lines: Los Angeles Angels at Toronto Blue Jays for AL Wild Card

Thursday, September 22, 2011

by Bodog Sportsbook

MLB Lines: Los Angeles Angels at Toronto Blue Jays for AL Wild Card

Everyone was talking about the Tampa Bay Rays’ surge toward the AL wild-card lead with the absolute collapse of the Boston Red Sox. But everyone also overlooked that Boston’s epic choke job has allowed another team into that race: the Los Angeles Angels. They are now tied with the Rays at 2.5 games back of Boston and the Halos can cut a half-game off that tonight in Toronto with Boston off today. The Angels are -117 favorites for the series finale on Bodog Sportsbook’s MLB baseball lines.

The Los Angeles Angels have seven games left – this one in Toronto before home series with Oakland and Texas; the Rangers lead L.A. in the AL West by 5 games. Boston, which has gone 5-16 this month, faces the AL East champion New York Yankees in the Bronx this weekend before concluding the season at Baltimore.

Peter Bourjos has suddenly become the Angels’ top hitter. He had three hits in Wednesday’s 7-2 win and finished a double shy of the cycle. Bourjos is the first Angel ever with 25 or more doubles, 10 or more triples, 10 or more homes runs and 20 or more stolen bases in a season. And Vernon Wells, the former Blue Jay, is 9 for 22 with three homers and nine RBIs in his last five games.

The pitching matchup tonight certainly favors Los Angeles, which starts right-hander Ervin Santana (11-12, 3.40). However, Santana is on a three-game losing streak after winning eight of his previous nine starts. He is 1-1 with a 2.12 ERA this year vs. the Jays. Toronto counters with rookie Henderson Alvarez (1-2, 3.62). He allowed a season-high five runs during his last start, against the Yankees. The 21-year-old has pitched at least six innings in six consecutive outings and hasn't lost since Aug. 26.

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boston red sox - ervin santana - henderson alvarez - los angeles angels - peter bourjos - tampa bay rays - vernon wells