The Toronto Blue Jays are coming off a four-game sweep of the Oakland A's, with the final two victories coming as the result of game-ending HRs. It was the first time in franchise history they had won back-to-back games in such fashion. However, the four straight wins followed a 3-7 road trip, leaving the Blue Jays 11-12 in July. Ater an 8-17 April, Toronto just hasn't been able to gain any real momentum, as the Jays open this series with the Angels just 48-54 (7 1/2 games back in the AL East and six games back in the wild card race. The Angels just got swept by the Indians in a three-game series that was completed Thursday with Cleveland's 2-1 victory at Progressive Field. The Angels are 7-12 in July and five games under .500 (49-54) for the first time this season. The Angels are 5 1/2 game back in the wild card race.

The pitching matchup: Parker Bridwell (4-1 & 3.09 ERA) goes for LA and J.A. Happ (3-7 & 4.13 ERA) for Toronto. Bridwell will be making his ninth appearance (eighth start) of the season and fourth on the road.The Angels are 7-1 in the games he has pitched and he has allowed two runs or fewer in five of his past six starts. In three road starts this season, he's 2-0 with a 2.04 ERA (team is 3-0). This is his first career appearance against the Blue Jays. After a career season in 2016 (20-4), Happ takes the mound looking for his first win since July 4 at Yankee Stadium. He is 0-2 with a 6.60 ERA in three starts since his last win and the Blue Jays are 0-3 in those starts. He also has not had much success against the Angels, going 1-5 with a 6.52 ERA in six career starts.

The pick: Just looking at the pitching matchup, the veteran Happ looks like a mess, while rookie Bridwell looks "like a keeper." However, the Blue Jays gained (earned!) some much-needed mojo in their four-game sweep to open the week and the Angels limp in just 22-31 on the road. Make Toronto an 8* play.