MLB Picks: The Boston Red Sox look to keep things rolling post-All-Star break as they take on AL East rival Toronto tonight at the Rogers Centre. Boston is 4-2 against the Blue Jays this season, but just 1-2 in Toronto. Online bookmaker BetUS.com has the Jays listed as a -125 moneyline favorite in their MLB Picks: Red Sox vs Blue Jays MLB Betting Odds – July 17, 2009.
Boston worked their record to a stellar 54-34 after winning three straight at Fenway Park against the Royals before Tuesday's All-Star game. The Red Sox have won five of their last six contests and have a three game lead over the second place Yankees heading into the second half of the season.
Boston recalled right-hander Clay Buchholz from Triple-A Pawtucket to start tonight. Buchholz has not pitched in the majors this season, but went 2-9 in 15 starts last year with a 6.75 ERA. However, the 24 year old, who pitched a no-hitter in just his second major league start, has been outstanding for the PawSox. In 16 minor league starts the Texas native is 7-2 with a 2.36 ERA (30 walks/89 strikeouts).
Toronto, which was excellent through the first quarter of the season, stumbled some heading into the break. Unfortuneately for Jays fans most of the team's woes came against divisonal competition. Toronto had 10 straight AL East road games prior to the All-Star game and managed just two wins, dropping them to 44-46. Cito Gaston's squad is firmly in fourth place as a result and 11 games behind the Sox.
The Blue Jays are hoping 24 year old Ricky Romero can get them back on track this evening. Romero has been one of the club's top performers on the mound, earning a 7-3 record in 13 starts with a 3.00 ERA. The Los Angeles native has been especially tough at the Rogers Centre, going 5-1 there with a 2.31 ERA. His lone home loss, however, came against Boston on May 31st. The Red Sox had six hits and five earned runs off the left-hander to grab an 8-2 victory.
This evening's game is scheduled to get underway at 7:00pm ET at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
BetUS.com MLB Picks: Red Sox vs Blue Jays MLB Betting Odds – July 17, 2009
Boston Red Sox +1.5 (-175), Over 8.5 (-120), +105 (Moneyline)
Toronto Blue Jays -1.5 (+155), Under 8.5 (+100), -125 (Moneyline)
Bet on sports at online sportsbook BetUS.com and receive up to 145% in Cash Bonuses and start winning today!
