Canada Sport News

Blue Jays Look to Avoid Sweep Against Cubs with Francis on the Mound
  • Game coverage - preview
    •

    Blue Jays Look to Avoid Sweep Against Cubs with Francis on the Mound

    The Toronto Blue Jays will send right-handed pitcher Bowden Francis to the mound Sunday as they look to finish their three-game road series against the Chicago Cubs on a high note.

    Watch the Blue Jays face the Cubs live on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ at 2:20 p.m. ET / 11:20 a.m. PT.

    MLB on Sportsnet


    Livestream the Blue Jays, Blue Jays Central pre-game, marquee MLB matchups, Jays in 30, original documentaries, the Wild Card, Divisional Series, Championship Series and entire World Series.

    Broadcast Schedule

    Both games to start the series have been decided by a single run. The Cubs won 6-5 in the 10th inning during Friday’s opener and were victorious 3-2 Saturday after the game delayed twice in the second inning due to rain.

    Francis (5-3, 4.92 ERA) allowed only one run on one hit and zero walks across seven innings during his most recent start Monday against the Los Angeles Angels. The 28-year-old also struck out eight and picked up the win as the Blue Jays defeated the Angels 4-2.

    Blue Jays infielder Ernie Clement is batting 11-for-41 with a home run and four RBIs over his last 10 games.

    The Cubs will counter with left-handed pitcher Shota Imanaga, who leads the team with nine wins and 131 strikeouts. Imanaga (9-2, 3.16 ERA) is coming off of a rough start, giving up seven runs, three earned, on seven hits in five innings of work Monday during a 9-8 loss to the Cleveland Guardians.

    Cubs outfielder Ian Happ leads the team with 22 home runs and has homered in both games of the series so far. Shortstop Dansby Swanson is batting 11-for-35 with two doubles and a triple over his last 10 games.

    Toronto (57-66) is fifth in the American League East, while Chicago (61-63) is third in the National League Central.

    Following Sunday’s game, the Blue Jays return home to host the Cincinnati Reds beginning Monday night.

    More from Sportsnet
    Blue Jays fall just short in bizarre, two-delay game vs. Cubs


    Joey Loperfido determined to show Blue Jays who truly he is

    The Toronto Blue Jays are facing a tough challenge as they look to avoid a sweep against the Chicago Cubs with left-handed pitcher Jeff Francis on the mound. The Blue Jays have struggled in their series against the Cubs, dropping the first two games and now facing the possibility of being swept at home.

    Francis, who has a 4.15 ERA in 13 appearances this season, will need to bring his A-game if the Blue Jays hope to salvage a win in this series. The veteran pitcher will be tasked with shutting down a potent Cubs lineup that has been firing on all cylinders in recent games.

    The Blue Jays will also need their offense to step up and provide run support for Francis. The team has been struggling at the plate, scoring just three runs in the first two games of the series. Key hitters like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette will need to come through in clutch situations to give the Blue Jays a chance to win.

    Despite the challenges they face, the Blue Jays have shown resilience throughout the season and have the talent to turn things around. Manager Charlie Montoyo will need to make strategic decisions to put his team in the best position to win, including managing his bullpen effectively and making timely substitutions.

    As the Blue Jays look to avoid a sweep against the Cubs, all eyes will be on Francis and the rest of the team as they aim to bounce back and secure a much-needed victory. Fans will be hoping for a strong performance from their team as they look to turn things around and get back on track in the competitive American League East division.