Toronto Blue Jays vs Boston Red Sox – Wednesday Afternoon Betting Odds

It was just a few short days ago that the Red Sox lost to the Yankees 14-3, and everyone left them for dead. However, after winning three straight, have they turned the corner? We’ll find out in Wednesday afternoon’s betting odds, as the Red Sox go for the sweep.

Toronto Blue Jays (19-16 SU, 23-12 R/L, 18-16-1 O/U) at Boston Red Sox (18-16 SU, 11-23 R/L, 18-14-2 O/U)

Wednesday, May 12: 1:35 p.m.

MLB Betting Odds:

Toronto: +1 ½, -190, Even 
(Shawn Marcum-R)

Boston: -1 ½, +160, -120
(Tim Wakefield-R)

Total Runs:
Over 9 ½: -105
Under 9 ½: -125 

The Red Sox have taken the first two games of this series by scores of 7-6 and 6-1, and Wednesday will send an old reliable to the mound, Tim Wakefield.

Because of the return of Daisuke Matsuzaka to the rotation, Wakefield has been working out of the bullpen of late, but with a tight schedule, he’ll get the call Wednesday. On the season, Wakefield has an 0-1 record, with a disappointing 6.03 ERA. However, his last three appearances have been out of the bullpen, the last two of which were effective. Wakefield hasn’t made a start since April 24, in a 7-6 loss to the Orioles.

Opposing him on the mound will Toronto’s top pitcher, righthander Shawn Marcum. Marcum might not be a household name, but he is effective, with a 1-1 record, and 3.19 ERA. And don’t let that win/loss record fool you, he’s been effective. On the season, he has pitched into the seventh inning in six of seven starts. He’s been hampered by run support issues as well, as in his five no-decisions, he’s allowed three earned runs or less.

In Wednesday’s betting odds, Marcum will have to battle against an all of a sudden surging Red Sox lineup. Make no mistake, this isn’t the team from a few years ago with Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz, but they still play hard, and have been hitting the ball of late. The Red Sox have scored 21 runs during their three game winning streak. Leading the way has been first baseman Kevin Youkilis, who had a nine game hitting streak snapped Tuesday night. He still managed to reach base twice by walk however.

As for Toronto, they’ve had no such luck on offense, as after starting hot earlier in the year, have cooled off significantly. Their best hitter of late has actually been catcher John Buck, who is in the midst of a six game hitting streak, and has had two hits, in each of the first two games of these series.

Despite their offensive struggles though, the Blue Jays should still be your play in Wednesday afternoon’s betting odds.

Because of a scheduling conflict, Wakefield has been forced into action in this game. However, he has been such a mixed bag so far, it’s hard to know what you’ll get from him.

Marcum on the other hand pitches deep into games, and provides the stability needed for the Blue Jays to end their losing streak.

With the big righthander Marcum on the mound, make the Blue Jays your Wednesday baseball betting odds pick!

Aaron’s Pick: Toronto +1 ½, -190