Blue Jays vs. Reds Prediction, Stats, Picks - August 18
Fri, Aug 18, 2023
by
BestBets.today
As the MLB season heads into the post-season crunch, tonight's game at 6:40 PM EDT sees the Toronto Blue Jays (67-55) take on the Cincinnati Reds (63-59) in a match that promises high stakes and high drama. Both teams are at the nerve-wracking point where each game could affect their fate in the Wild Card round.
The Blue Jays are coming into this game, having built a formidable squad over the past few years. With young talents now looking primed for a deep playoff run, the Blue Jays have proven they can hold their own. Managing a 5-5 mark in their last ten games, the Blue Jays currently hold a slim 0.5-game lead in the AL Wild Card race, setting the stakes high for each game from here on out.
The man on the mound for the Blue Jays tonight is Jose Berrios, a seasoned campaigner who has had a topsy-turvy season. With a 9-8 record through 24 starts, Berrios’ 3.53 ERA is solid. However, his recent performance is where the optimism lies for Toronto fans. With eight quality starts in his last ten appearances, Berrios will look to continue his good form, hopefully with the added boost of some run support from his team.
As for the Reds, it has been a season full of surprises. With veterans making a strong comeback and new stars emerging, the Reds are looking to finish this season on a high note. However, recent performances could have been better, and the Reds need to establish some momentum if they want to compete for the final NL Wild Card spot. The Reds are 4-6 in their last ten games and have struggled at home with a 7-11 record in their last eighteen home games.
Pitching for Cincinnati will be Brett Kennedy, a relative newbie making his eighth career start tonight. His 2023 record is short but fair, with four earned runs in seven innings. However, Kennedy will have to step it up if the Reds are to calm the Blue Jays' batting lineup storm.
While both teams have been inconsistent lately, the advantage leans toward the Blue Jays due to their depth and experience, along with a more proven pitcher taking the mound. Considering these factors and the fact that the Blue Jays are 6-4 in the past ten matchups with the Reds, the prediction is for a Toronto victory tonight.
While it might draw heated attention to the dynamic lineups, the final score should be relatively low due to the strength of the pitching staff on each side. The safest bet in this match is to expect an excellent performance on the mound from both teams, resulting in a game total of less than 10.5 runs.
So there you have it; the stage is all set for a gripping encounter between the Blue Jays and the Reds. Expect intense competition, high quality, but most importantly, a Toronto victory and under 10.5 runs. Game on!
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