Toronto Blue Jays at Pittsburgh Pirates odds, picks and predictions

The Toronto Blue Jays (18-14) and Pittsburgh Pirates (20-12) meet Friday at PNC Park. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Blue Jays vs. Pirates odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: First meeting of 2023. Blue Jays won last season’s series 3-0.

The Blue Jays lost 11-5 as -210 favorites at the Boston Red Sox Thursday. Toronto was swept in the 4-game series and has lost 5 straight games.

The Pirates lost 3-2 as +166 underdogs at the Tampa Bay Rays Thursday. Pittsburgh lost its 4th straight game and was outscored 22-6 over that stretch.

Blue Jays at Pirates projected starters

RHP Chris Bassitt vs. LHP Rich Hill

Bassitt (3-2, 5.18 ERA) makes his 7th start. He has a 1.24 WHIP, 4.4 BB/9 and 7.6 K/9 through 33 innings.

• Last outing: No-decision, 5 IP, 4 ER, 2 H, 4 BB, 7 K in 10-8 home loss in extra innings vs. Seattle Mariners Sunday
• Career vs. Pirates: 2-0, 2.00 ERA (18 IP, 4 ER), 13 H, 2 HR, 5 BB, 24 K in 3 starts

Hill (3-2, 4.18 ERA) makes his 7th start. He has a 1.39 WHIP, 2.5 BB/9 and 7.5 K/9 through 32 1/3 innings.

• Last outing: Win, 6 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 8 H, 0 BB, 5 K in 6-3 victory at Washington Nationals Saturday
• Career vs. Blue Jays: 1-2, 4.96 ERA (32 3/2 IP, 18 ER), 31 H, 2 HR, 11 BB, 25 K in 6 starts and 7 relief appearances

Blue Jays at Pirates odds

BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:20 p.m. ET.

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Blue Jays at Pirates picks and predictions

Prediction

Pirates 6, Blue Jays 5

BET PIRATES (+120).

Pittsburgh has lost 4 straight road games, but has been good at PNC Park this season and is 6-1 in its last 7 at home. The Pirates are 8-3 in their last 11 series openers and are 10-4 in their last 14 after a loss.

The Blue Jays are just 6-13 in their last 19 games vs. left-handed starters and have looked horrible since their 6-game win streak ended Sunday in Bassitt’s last start.

PASS.

The Blue Jays have gone 7 straight games without a win by multiple runs. Pittsburgh +1.5 (-135) should hit, but there is no need to pay the higher price on the run line when the Pirates should win straight up. Bet the moneyline and/or total instead.

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BET OVER 9 (-110).

The Over is 5-0 in Toronto’s last 5 games and 6-1 in its last 7 on the road vs. National League teams with a winning record.

The Over has gone 4-0-1 in Pittsburgh’s last 5 at home vs. winning teams and should hit again Friday with 2 pitchers on the mound in Bassitt and Hill that are capable of giving up plenty of runs early.

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