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While not the most intriguing series, Tuesday's game certainly has some value for the Blue Jays. Toronto came in at -143, down from -150. Action was heavy on the Blue Jays at greater than 73%, which scares us a tad.
PITCHING PROBABLES: Blue Jays: Max Scherzer (3-2, 3.83 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 52 strikeouts); Pirates: Mitch Keller (5-11, 4.13 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 112 strikeouts)
Scherzer limited the Cubs to one run over seven-plus innings in a victory Thursday. He took the loss in his previous start despite allowing just two runs over six innings against the Dodgers on Friday.
He's faced only a handful of Pirates batters but with 80 at bats and a .200 average, Scherzer has been solid, allowing just one home run.
Keller is solid as well. The Blue Jays career statistics vs. Mitch Keller are just 7-for-30 with one home run (.233).
Keller allowed six runs on eight hits in a loss to the Brewers on Wednesday and should rebound here.
The total was seeing mostly balanced action but had come down from 8.5 to 8. Both the Under and Toronto should be considered here. Monitor closely to see if we pull the trigger on either based on a variety of other factors.
BOTTOM LINE: The Pittsburgh Pirates play the Toronto Blue Jays with a 1-0 series lead.
Pittsburgh has a 53-73 record overall and a 35-29 record in home games. Pirates pitchers have a collective 4.02 ERA, which ranks eighth in the NL.
Toronto is 31-32 in road games and 73-53 overall. Blue Jays hitters are batting a collective .268, the highest team batting average in MLB play.
Tuesday's game is the second time these teams meet this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Bryan Reynolds has 27 doubles, three triples and 13 home runs for the Pirates. Nick Gonzales is 11 for 41 with a double over the past 10 games.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has 21 home runs, 71 walks and 69 RBI while hitting .298 for the Blue Jays. Davis Schneider is 11 for 29 with two doubles, three home runs and 10 RBI over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Pirates: 3-7, .215 batting average, 6.04 ERA, outscored by 32 runs
Blue Jays: 5-5, .247 batting average, 4.55 ERA, outscored by five runs
