Red Sox vs. Blue Jays – Game Preview (September 23, 2024)
Tonight’s AL East showdown between the Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre is pivotal for both teams as they fight for a spot in the postseason. With the Wild Card race heating up, every game carries immense weight for their playoff aspirations.
Game Information:
- Location: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Canada
- Time: 7:07 PM ET
- Starting Pitchers:
- Red Sox: Brayan Bello (12-10, 3.85 ERA)
- Blue Jays: Bowden Francis (5-4, 3.66 ERA)
Team Previews:
Boston Red Sox (78-78):
The Red Sox have struggled with consistency this season, and their playoff hopes are hanging by a thread. Brayan Bello will get the start, aiming to close out his strong 2024 campaign on a high note. The young right-hander has been a bright spot in Boston’s rotation, but he’ll need run support from a Red Sox offense led by Rafael Devers and Masataka Yoshida. The Red Sox need a string of victories to stay in the Wild Card hunt, and they’ll look to start that tonight in Toronto.
Toronto Blue Jays (83-73):
The Blue Jays are in the thick of the Wild Card race and can solidify their playoff positioning with a win tonight. Bowden Francis will take the mound, bringing a solid 3.66 ERA into the contest. Toronto’s lineup, featuring stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, has the firepower to put runs on the board, especially at home. The Blue Jays have been strong at Rogers Centre this year and will look to take advantage of Boston’s inconsistency to push closer to a playoff berth.
Key Factors:
- Pitching Matchup:
Brayan Bello has shown flashes of brilliance this season but can be prone to occasional lapses, while Francis has been reliable in a smaller sample size. The team that gets the most out of its starting pitching could control the game. - Offensive Production:
Both lineups boast power hitters capable of changing the game with one swing. The Blue Jays’ ability to hit at home and the Red Sox’s knack for stringing together rallies will be focal points in this matchup.
Betting Picks:
- Moneyline:
The Blue Jays, playing at home and with a more stable bullpen, are the favorites in this contest. However, the Red Sox, with Bello on the mound, could be a sneaky pick if they can capitalize on early opportunities. - Over/Under (9.0 runs):
Given the offensive talent on both sides and the fact that both teams are fighting for postseason spots, the Over 9.0 runs seems like a reasonable bet. A slugfest is always possible when these two AL East rivals meet.
Final Prediction:
- Blue Jays 6, Red Sox 5
In a tightly contested game, expect both teams to push hard for the win. The Blue Jays’ depth and home-field advantage might just be enough to edge out the Red Sox in a close, high-scoring affair.
