Toronto (65-70) at Boston (69-64)
- When: Aug 29 2024, 7:10 PM
- Where: Fenway Park, Boston
- Where to watch: NESN
Game Odds, Spread, Moneyline & Total
Toronto Blue Jays @ Boston Red Sox
Moneyline
Toronto Blue Jays +125
Boston Red Sox -149
Toronto Blue Jays @ Boston Red Sox
Runline
Toronto Blue Jays 1.5 (-170)
Boston Red Sox -1.5 (+145)
Toronto Blue Jays @ Boston Red Sox
Total
Over 8.5 (-120)
Under 8.5 (EVEN)
- Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
Probable Pitchers:
Toronto: Bowden Francis (7-3, 4.02)
Boston: Kutter Crawford (8-11, 4.19)
Team Stats
| Blue Jays | Red Sox | |
| 65-70 | Record | 69-64 |
| 31-37 | Away & Home | 38-27 |
| 7-3 | Last 10 | 4-6 |
| L2 | Streak | W2 |
Game Preview
Bowden Francis is set to pitch for the Toronto Blue Jays in the last game of their four-game series against the Boston Red Sox this Thursday. Francis, coming off an impressive performance where he nearly secured a no-hitter against the Los Angeles Angels, ended up giving up a ninth-inning homer to Taylor Ward that ruined his no-hit bid.
The 28-year-old right-hander, who recorded a career-best 12 strikeouts in that game, secured his third consecutive victory. He now faces Boston for the first time in a starting role, having previously made three scoreless relief appearances against them.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider expressed pride in Francis’ resilience, stating, "He’s worked hard to get here, so I didn’t want to pull him prematurely. He deserved to see it through."
Francis has shown remarkable improvement, boasting a 3-0 record with 27 strikeouts over his last three starts, contrasting sharply with his initial season struggles where he surrendered 12 runs in just over 8 innings.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. praised Francis’ recent form, noting, "He had a rough start this season, but his last few games have been phenomenal, especially his near no-hitter."
Meanwhile, Boston’s pitching has also been strong, highlighted by Brayan Bello’s standout performance on Wednesday, where he pitched eight innings, allowing only two hits and striking out nine against Toronto.
The Blue Jays, whose offense faltered against Bello, saw their five-game winning streak snapped and also saw an end to their 16-game homer streak.
Tyler O’Neill boosted Boston’s lead with a two-run homer late in the game, adding to Wilyer Abreu’s early RBI single.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora was impressed with Bello’s performance, stating, "It was his best performance yet. He really managed to keep a challenging lineup in check."
Kutter Crawford is scheduled to start for Boston following Bello. Despite solid performances, Crawford has faced back-to-back losses, with the righty reflecting, "I’ve been competing well, but need to control the zone better."
Crawford has a mixed record against Toronto, holding a 1-1 record with a 4.26 ERA in five appearances.
Before Bello’s performance, Tanner Houck was the only other Boston pitcher to complete at least eight innings this season, achieving a shutout against Cleveland in April.
The Red Sox’s pitching staff has been part of 13 shutouts this season, a high mark shared with other leading MLB teams.
MLB Parlay Picks & Predictions
Final Score: Toronto 5-3
Expert Pick: Toronto +125 & Under 8½ (+100)
A $100 Parlay Bet will return $450
- MLB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
