TORONTO – Youth will battle experience on the pitching mound as the Toronto Blue Jays look to lock up a spot in the American League Championship Series with a win over the Texas Rangers Wednesday afternoon at the Rogers Centre.
Marcus Stroman will pitch for the second time in the American League Divisional Series as he looks to propel the Jays into the next rounds of the playoffs.
“I would say I’m confident. Some people may call it cocky. It is what it is,” said the 24-year-old Tuesday afternoon.
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Meanwhile, on the other side of the dugout, left-hander Cole Hamels has been chosen by Texas manager Jeff Banister as the veteran presence to snuff out the lethal hitting lineup of the Jays.
The 2008 World Series MVP has started in 14 post-season games with a 7-4 record, 83 strikeouts and a 3.08 ERA.
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Stroman on the other hand pitched well in Game 2 allowing four runs — three earned — over seven innings of work in his postseason debut.
Stroman missed the majority of the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and returned to action late in the season posting a 4-0 record.
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Major League Baseball confirmed the Rogers Centre roof will be closed for the afternoon game.
Some fans have even started an online petition to urge the League to open the dome for the pivotal Game 5.
“The MLB Ground Rules for the Rogers Centre and the Rogers Centre Roof Operation Guidelines state that the roof is kept closed if it’s less than 10 degrees or with a high risk of rain; neither of those conditions are in the forecast,” the petition said.
The Blue Jays this season had a 38-14 record with the roof open and 11-14 when closed.
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Once again, road closures will remain an issue for motorists traveling near the stadium on Wednesday.
As thousands of fans enter and leave the game, several streets will be temporarily closed off as authorities make sure everyone arrives and departs the venue safely.
With a file from The Canadian Press
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