Toronto @ Atlanta preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 10, 2018 ) Toronto 6, Atlanta 2

The Toronto Blue Jays sit five games under .500 on the road this season entering the finale of a two-game interleague set Wednesday at the Atlanta Braves, but come into the contest bolstered by a late rally that carried them to victory in the series opener. The Blue Jays took advantage of two eighth-inning errors to score five times during Tuesday’s 6-2 victory in the first game of a stretch in which Toronto will play 16 of 22 away from home.

First baseman Justin Smoak blasted a solo homer, improving to 7-for-15 during a four-game hitting streak for the Blue Jays, and shortstop Aledmys Diaz added a two-run double in the pivotal eighth inning. Atlanta’s loss dropped it out of first place in the National League East with Philadelphia’s victory over the New York Mets as the Braves fell for the 11th time in their past 18 games - including five losses in their past seven home contests. Second baseman Ozzie Albies finished 3-for-4 with two runs scored and is hitting .438 during his seven-game hitting streak, collecting his ninth three-hit game of the season. Right fielder Nick Markakis, in his first contest since the 34-year-old was named to his first All-Star team, collected two hits Tuesday and is 7-for-16 during his current four-game hitting streak.

TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, Sportsnet (Toronto), FS Southeast (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Sam Gaviglio (2-2, 3.81 ERA) vs. Braves RH Mike Foltynewicz (6-5, 2.37)

Gaviglio posted a 1.86 ERA in five starts for Triple-A Buffalo, and since being promoted to the majors in early May has been a pleasant surprise for the Blue Jays. The 28-year-old owns a 3.97 ERA in nine starts, striking out 45 in 47 2/3 innings while surrendering three earned runs or fewer seven times. Gaviglio gave up just one earned run in 4 1/3 innings against the New York Yankees on Friday, striking out six in a no-decision.

Foltynewicz makes his final start before heading to his first All-Star Game, looking to rebound after giving up five runs over six innings in a loss Friday at Milwaukee. The 26-year-old had allowed more than two earned runs only once in his first 16 starts before his last outing, but entered Tuesday second in the NL in hits per nine innings (6.16), fourth in ERA and seventh in strikeouts (114). Foltynewicz is holding hitters to a .190 average and a .596 OPS.

WALK-OFFS

1. Toronto improved to 9-4 in interleague play while the Braves dropped to 6-8.

2. Atlanta committed three errors Tuesday after entering the series opener with just 40 errors in 89 games this season.

3. Diaz is 14-for-32 in nine career games against the Braves with three doubles, one triple, one homer and 12 RBIs.

PREDICTION: Braves 5, Blue Jays 2