ALDS 2016: 5 reasons Blue Jays will win

Oct 4, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion (10) is mobbed by teammates after he hit a walk off home run to beat the Baltimore Orioles in the American League wild card playoff baseball game at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 26, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Yu Darvish (11) in the dugout during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Texas aces struggle down the stretch

For much of the regular season, Cole Hamels looked like a contender for the Cy Young award. He blew down the stretch, pitching to a 5.86 ERA in five starts in September and October. Yu Darvish, making his return to the big leagues after rehabbing from Tommy John Surgery, posted a 4.40 ERA in five starts down the stretch. If the Rangers are going to win this series, they will have to get better results out of their two best starters.

Both Darvish and Hamels have excellent career track records in the postseason. Hamels was the MVP of the 2008 NLCS and World Series while pitching for the Philadelphia Phillies. Last year, the 32-year-old left-hander pitched well against the Jays in the ALDS, allowing only four runs in 13.1 innings while striking out 14. Darvish pitched the 2012 Wild Card Game, and pitched well enough to win although he eventually took the loss.

An uninspiring bunch of mid-rotation arms follow Hamels and Darvish, so the Rangers must have both their aces pitching up to their pedigree. Both can pile up strikeouts, but are also prone to allowing the occasional home run. With a lineup that is loaded with right-handed power bats, the Blue Jays will prove to be a difficult match for Hamels and Darvish, especially if they are running out of steam when it matters most.

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