The Toronto Blue Jays will try to keep their offense rolling against a record-setting rookie when they host the Chicago Cubs for Game 2 of a three-game series on Wednesday at Rogers Centre.
Coverage on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ begins at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT. Kevin Gausman (8-8, 3.85 ERA) gets the start for Toronto, looking to rebound after an off-day ejection in their last slate of action against the Dodgers. In his most recent outing, Gausman worked seven innings with eight strikeouts in the Blue Jays’ 20-1 dismantling of the Colorado Rockies. He paces Toronto in strikeouts with 135, a stat that stands out as Chicago has one of the league’s stingiest approaches to chasing pitches, ranking among the lowest in the league for strikeouts. Gausman’s last appearance against the Cubs came in 2022, a 5-3 Jays win in which he fanned nine.
Meanwhile, Chicago’s rookie right-hander Cade Horton (6-3, 3.18 ERA) has another major milestone to chase. Horton has not allowed a run in 23.1 consecutive innings, the longest scoreless streak by a Cubs rookie. The 23-year-old’s hot stretch followed his 6-1 win over the Reds, with three straight wins in his last three starts. Horton was the Cubs’ top pitching prospect and No. 7 overall pick in the 2022 draft, making his major-league debut on May 10 in a 6-5 win over the Mets. He didn’t start, but worked four innings in relief, striking out five.
Toronto carries strong home-club credentials into this matchup. The Blue Jays are 39-19 at home this season, tied for the most home wins in the American League, and they’ll be facing Horton in a ballpark where they’ve shown significant prowess. The Jays have already shown their comfort level at home in Tuesday’s 5-1 series-opening win over the Cubs, with Ernie Clement delivering a three-run homer in the fourth inning—the third straight game with a homer for him and the fourth in five games—and Daulton Varsho adding a homer in the eighth after returning from injury.
Toronto’s offense has been potent when they push five or more runs, a mark they’ve achieved in 51 of their games this season, the best in the league. If the Jays’ hitters can break through Horton early and continue the momentum they showed in the opener, they’ll look to extend their home dominance and move within striking distance of finishing the series on a high note.
What to watch:
– Gausman’s ability to keep the Cubs’ contact-heavy lineup from expanding Horton’s quick innings into trouble at Rogers Centre.
– Horton’s scoreless streak and whether Toronto’s lineup can disrupt his rhythm early.
– The Jays’ home-field advantage, given their strong record at Rogers Centre and their recent offensive surge.
Summary: The Blue Jays return home aiming to amplify their offense against a hot Cubs rookie while hoping Gausman can slow Chicago’s lineup and extend Toronto’s home success. If Toronto can capitalize on Horton early and sustain pressure, they’ll look to clinch the series in front of their home fans. A hopeful note for Jays backers: their offense has shown it can deliver in batches, and at home, that potential is amplified.