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Blue Jays vs. Pirates Prediction and Odds for Friday, September 2 (Manoah, Oviedo Could Cruise Early)

By Ben Heisler

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Alek Manoah comes off back-to-back 8-strikeout starts; totaling 16 in his last 13 innings pitched.
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Alek Manoah comes off back-to-back 8-strikeout starts; totaling 16 in his last 13 innings pitched. / John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
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After the Steel City hosted an epic "Backyard Brawl" on Thursday night, we have more of an "international friendly" Friday night as the Pittsburgh Pirates host the Toronto Blue Jays for the start of a three-game series.

The Pittsburgh Pirates hope to stop the bleeding on a five-game home losing streak tonight as right-hander Johan Oviedo gets the call up to start tonight in his Pirates big league debut. Meanwhile, the Jays send fellow righty Alek Manoah to the mound, as the 24-year old looks to continue his superb season north of the border.

Here are the latest odds for tonight's matchup from PNC Park:

Blue Jays vs. Pirates Odds, Run Line and Total

Blue Jays vs. Pirates Prediction and Pick

Whatever struggles Alek Manoah had in the early going of August appears to be in the rearview mirror. The 24-year old has looked terrific in his last two starts; giving up just two earned runs in 13 innings while striking out 16.

Manoah's not known as a strikeout pitcher, but over his last three starts, he's averaging over 11 strikeouts per nine innings. Consequently, bettors have already started going heavy on his over prop for tonight against a Pirates lineup that is second in baseball in strikeout percentage (25.5%).

While I'm inclined to back the Jays on the run line, Toronto has a tendency to play down to their competition at times, and don't have much of a book on Oviedo. The big right-hander was acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals in the José Quintana deal at the MLB Trade Deadline, and was reported to be hitting upper 90's in his last start in Indianapolis.

Oviedo had solid numbers in his limited time in St. Louis this year, and I think he can handle the Blue Jays' all-or-nothing lineup at least in the early going. Rather than lay big money on Toronto, I'll take a shortened approach with the first five under instead.

LEAN: Blue Jays - Pirates First Five UNDER 4.5 (-123)

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