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The Jays took Game 1 of this series thanks in large part to three hits from Vladimir Guerrero Jr.Ìý·É³ó¾±±ô±ðÌýMyles StrawÌý²¹²Ô»åÌýIsiah Kiner-Falefa chipped in with two apiece. That allowed the Jays to get off to a strong start vs. a team they have struggled against this season. The win improved their record vs. Baltimore to 5-6, which means they could still win the season series with victories on Saturday and Sunday.

Right-hander Max Scherzer will start Game 2 for Toronto. The 41-year-old has allowed four runs in each of his last three starts while also serving up five home runs across 14 1/3 innings. Scherzer has been dealing with back soreness in each of his last two outings and his health will be worth monitoring on Saturday as he tries to make the case that he should be a valued member of the Jays’ playoff starting rotation.

The Orioles will counter with right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano. The native of Japan has pitched against the Jays twice this season, but both outings occurred in late March and early April. Sugano allowed five runs across 8 2/3 innings in those games, but he enters this outing having surrendered 14 runs over his last 12 1/3 frames. The 35-year-old hasn’t earned a victory since Aug. 14.

The Jays bounced back from a series loss to the New York Yankees by winning three of their next four games. They will enter Saturday with a three-game lead over the Yankees for first place in the AL East while the Boston Red Sox are 4 1/2 games back. The Jays also have one more win than the Detroit Tigers for the best record in the AL.

Game time, TV, probable pitchers

Today, 3:07 p.m. ET on Sportsnet: Tomoyuki Sugano (10-8, 4.51 ERA) vs. Max Scherzer (5-3, 4.36 ERA)

Sunday, 1:37 p.m. ET on Sportsnet: TBD vs. Shane Bieber (2-1, 4.30 ERA)

Looking ahead

The Jays will begin a four-game series on the road against the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday before visiting the Kansas City Royals next weekend.