Toronto Blue Jays (31-29) vs. Boston Red Sox (38-25)
June 12, 2021 4:10 pm EDT
The Line: Boston Red Sox -107 / Toronto Blue Jays -103; Over/Under: +10
(Get latest betting odds)
The Toronto Blue Jays and the Boston Red Sox meet Saturday in MLB action from Fenway Park. This will be the second installment in a three-game set between these teams this week. In the Friday opener, the Red Sox eked out a one-run walk-off win. Check back all season long for free MLB picks at Sports Chat Place.
Toronto played a series versus the White Sox this week, winning Wednesday but dropping the other two games. In the Friday opener versus Boston, the Jays had a lead going into the eighth but couldn’t hold it in a 6-5 defeat. Starter Ross Stripling went 5.2 innings with five hits and four earned.
For the Saturday starting pitcher role, the Blue Jays are going with Steven Matz. Over his 64.0 innings this year, Matz has 69 hits, 34 runs (32 earned), nine homers, 19 walks, 67 Ks and a 4.50 ERA.
Over on the Red Sox’ side, they lost Tuesday and Wednesday to the Astros this week, but managed a win 12-8 on Thursday. In the Friday game, Boston posted three runs in the sixth inning to begin their excellent comeback win. Garrett Richards put up 5.1 innings with 11 hits and four earned.
For the Saturday starting pitcher role, the Sox are going with Nick Pivetta. Over his 64.1 innings of work this year, Pivetta has 52 hits, 28 runs (27 earned), five homers allowed, 31 walks, 74 Ks and a 3.78 ERA.
The Blue Jays are 5-0 in their last five in game two of a series and 4-1 in their last five Saturday games. Toronto is 8-22 in their last 30 road games with a total of 11.0 or higher and the under is 4-1-1 in their last six in game two of a series.
Meanwhile, the Sox are 5-0 in their last five Saturday games and 6-2 in their last eight in game two of a series. Boston is 4-11 in their last 15 games with the total set at 11.0 or higher as well.
PICK: I’m going to take a stab on the Blue Jays here, but probably staying away. Pivetta has been a little sketchy lately, posting 12 earned over his last four starts. He only lasted 4.2 innings in his last outing as well, giving up seven hits and three walks. As for Matz, he’s coming off four earned in 4.1 innings but lately has pitched fairly well otherwise. If Matz can get a quality start in this one I think the Jays have a solid shot at a W.
