MLB Picks – Toronto Blue Jays at Boston Red Sox

Tonight’s matchup in Fenway Park features two struggling pitchers with equal ERAs at 7.20. In what will likely prove to be a high-scoring affair, the Red Sox try once again to find the winning way as they host the Toronto Blue Jays in a three-game weekend series.

Toronto Blue Jays (6-6) at Boston Red Sox (2-9)

Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts

Friday, April 15 at 7:10 PM ET

TV: RSN, NESN

MLB Picks Odds: Toronto +1.5, Boston -1.5, Game Total: 9.5 runs

Who would have thought that it would be the Toronto Blue Jays sitting at .500, while the Red Sox have only managed to put together two wins on the season?

With the highest team ERA in baseball, the Red Sox will try again with Clay Buchholz tonight. So far, Buchholz is 0-2, as he allowed five runs in just over three innings to the Yankees last week.

But against the Blue Jays, he has six career wins with an average ERA of only 2.11.

For Toronto, Brett Cecil takes the stripe, a 2-0 starting pitcher at Fenway last season. In two starts this season, Cecil has thrown for at least five innings, taking one loss and one no-decision.

MLB Pitching Matchup:

TOR B. Cecil (0-1, 7.20) vs. BOS C. Buchholz (0-2, 7.20)

Last season the Red Sox dominated the Blue Jays, winning in 12 of their 18 season matchups. However, Boston is a different team so far this 2011 season, and has yet to reach the potential expected of them during the preseason.

If Boston can turn it around, tonight at home against an average team like the Blue Jays would be the prime time to do so. However, Boston has continued to falter from the mound, while the Blue Jays have vastly improved their rotation since last season, with a team average ERA of 3.07.

Despite their struggles, I’d take the chance to lay my money on Boston tonight. The Red Sox are the favorite in the MLB Sportsbook and should win the game by two runs or more. With desperate fans and desperate players, the tide must change at some time. Expect Boston to get the win at Fenway tonight.

MLB Pick – Take the Boston Red Sox -1.5!