Mark Lammey
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We were able to cash our Twins/White Sox same game parlay last night, so let’s keep things rolling. Just as ESPN has their featured game on Sunday nights to cap off the MLB slate, Peacock has been having a premier game to kick things off. That’s what we have with this series finale between the Blue Jays and Pirates. It starts up at 12:05 EST, about an hour and half before the rest of the games. Toronto is out to solidify their positioning in the AL Wild Card race. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh is simply trying to play the role of spoiler. The Jays have taken the first 2 games, so let’s break down how Sunday’s finale should play out. Along with this same game parlay, be sure to check out our MLB picks for all of today’s games.
Blue Jays -1.5 (-120)
Over 6.5 total runs (-225)
Ross Stripling 5+ strikeouts (+105)
Parlay odds: +390
Let’s take a closer look at each leg of our same game parlay.
Toronto Blue Jays -1.5 (-120) over Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates starting rotation has been in turmoil ever since they traded away lefty Jose Quintana to the divisional-rival Cardinals. That’s why they used multiple relievers to open on Friday, and a rookie last night. It’s also why the Blue Jays decided to push back Ross Stripling’s start to today. They felt as though they could use a reliever themselves yesterday, and save Stripling to match up with the Pirates ace, J.T. Brubaker. However, that title is more by default than anything.
That shouldn’t be too surprising given the Jays are still massive favorites in this game. Brubaker missed his last start, and therefore hasn’t pitched in nearly 2 weeks. Prior to his minor injury stint, the Pirates had lost 7 of his last 8 starts. Each of those last 2 losses were by at least 3 runs. Their starting rotation isn’t the only thing going wrong for Pittsburgh either. They have the league’s 4th-worst bullpen, have scored the 3rd-fewest runs, and have committed more errors than any team in the league.
Meanwhile, the Jays have scored the 3rd-most runs in the AL, and Stripling has been a great addition to their rotation. Toronto had won 5 of his starts in a row before the most recent one. He allowed 2 or fewer runs in each of those 5 starts, and the most recent was just 3 runs in 6.0 innings. Now facing a weak Pirates team, he can get the Jays back in the win column in convincing fashion.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for the Toronto Blue Jays vs Pittsburgh Pirates
Over 6.5 total runs (-225)
We’re going to use a slightly alternate total, as this tactic has helped us cash same game parlays in the past. Regardless, this game should have action right from the jump. Being such an early game just hours after last night’s finish, starters may need some extra time to get warm. That’s especially true for Brubaker, who hasn’t pitched in nearly 2 weeks. He nearly allowed this entire total the last time he was on the mound, as he allowed 6 runs. That was also the 4th time he’s allowed that many runs this season. Of course the Pirates terrible bullpen and even worse fielding should help plenty of Blue Jays cross the plate.
Toronto has the ability to go over this number themselves with some of the incredible hitters in their lineup. George Springer has the 4th-most leadoff home runs in MLB history, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has become even more well-known for his power than his father at this point. Stripling has been strong, so it should only take a run or 2 from the Pirates to hit this over. That’s something they can do with up-and-comer Oneil Cruz. The 6-foot-7 shortstop just hit a ball over 122 mph, the fastest in the modern era. With the young stud already making history, just a solo bomb from him should do the trick.
Ross Stripling 5+ strikeouts (+120)
Let’s transition our focus back to Stripling for the Jays. This play may seem surprising as he hasn’t even been in the starting rotation the entire year. However, he’s quietly been performing above all expectations. He struck out 6 or more batters in each of his last 3 starts. Of course he hasn’t faced the Pirates yet this season, but they’ve proven they should do their part. Pittsburgh has struck out the 2nd-most in the National League, and the 3rd-most overall. It hasn’t just been because of 1 guy either. They have 3 hitters with over 100 strikeouts, led by veteran Bryan Reynolds. Alek Manoah got the series started with 6 strikeouts, and Stripling should close it out by doing his part.
Don’t miss our MLB mega parlay for tonight’s action (+820 odds!)
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