Corey Kluber looks to build off last start, faces tough Blue Jays lineup
The Red Sox will have Corey Kluber on the mound on Monday night. The veteran right-hander is coming off an impressive start last Tuesday against the Orioles.
Kluber allowed only one run while pitching in a season-high 6 innings, earning his first win of the season. The win over Baltimore snapped a career long five-start losing streak, which dates back to his final outing of 2022 with the Rays.
Boston’s offense exploded early and was highlighted by Jarren Duran’s first career grand slam.
“Run support like that is always great,” said Kluber. “It’s a big confidence booster out there on the mound, having that kind of run support to work with. The guys have been swinging the bats really well recently. You get that many runs early on, it’s a lot easier to go out there and pound the zone.”
The 37-year-old will now look to build off his last start when he faces the Blue Jays from Fenway Park.
Kluber owns a career 2-5 record with a 5.07 ERA, (31 ER in 55 innings pitched) over 11 career starts against the Blue Jays.
The Blue Jays lineup has hit Kluber hard over his career. Whit Merrifeid has had the most at-bats against the veteran Kluber, going 9-for-35, .257 with a .714 OPS) with two homers. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is 5-for-11 with one homer and a 1.747 OPS.
Toronto comes into Boston with the third best record in the American League at 18-10. They currently sit in third place only trailing the red hot Rays and Orioles.
The Blue Jays have won six of their last seven games, snapping their winning streak in a 10-8 loss to the Mariners in 10 innings.
Boston struggled against the Blue Jays last season, the Sox went 3-16 against their opponents north of the border.
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