Blue Jays vs Pirates Prediction - MLB Picks 5/6/23

Pittsburgh Pirates (20-13) vs Toronto Blue Jays (19-14)

Game Info: Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 6:35 pm (PNC Park)

Johan Oviedo (2-2) (4.78) vs Jose Berrios (2-3) (5.29)

Betting Odds: Pittsburgh Pirates +123 / Toronto Blue Jays -133 --- Over/Under: 9 Click Here for the Latest Odds

The Pittsburgh Pirates will host the Toronto Blue Jays for game two of their weekend series from PNC Park. Toronto shut Pittsburgh out for the game one victory, 4-0.

Blue Jays Betting Preview

Toronto moved to 19-14 after defeating Pittsburgh. The Blue Jays have now won six straight games, and they’ll look to complete their third sweep of the season Sunday. The Toronto offense is scoring 4.85 runs per game, while batting .260, with a .337 on-base percentage. The pitching staff carries a 3.93 ERA, with a 1.20 WHIP. Matt Chapman doubled in game one, and he leads Toronto in batting average (.372). Vlad Guerrero Jr. is second on the team in both categories with a .318 BA and 21 RBI. Bo Bichette took over the team lead in RBI (22), after a big week of action.

Jose Berrios (2-3, 5.29 ERA, 34 Ks) will take the hill for Toronto. The eighth-year pitcher was roughed up last time out in Fenway by Boston, allowing eleven hits and five runs, but he managed to somehow avoid the losing decision. Berrios pitched well in the three starts prior, allowing three runs to juggernauts Tampa Bay and Houston combined, while tossing seven shutout innings versus the White Sox in his last home start.

Pirates Betting Preview

Pittsburgh comes in 20-13 after falling to Toronto. The Pirates have now dropped five straight, and they need to hop back in the win column this weekend. The Pittsburgh offense is scoring 3.95 runs per game, while batting .258, with a .334 on-base percentage. The pitching staff carries a 3.56 ERA, with a 1.29 WHIP. Bryan Reynolds has doubled in eight of the last ten games, and he leads the Pirates in hitting (.322) and RBI (23). Carlos Santana is second on the team with 19 RBI after a solid week of play.

Johan Oviedo (2-2, 4.78 ERA, 30 Ks) will get the ball for Pittsburgh. The fourth-year pitcher will look to avenge one of the worst starts of his career last week in DC. Oviedo failed to make it thru the third inning, and allowed seven runs to the underwhelming Nats en route to his second loss of the season. Oviedo is capable of bouncing back, he just may have his work cut out for him with the Toronto lineup.

Toronto vs Pittsburgh Trends

Toronto is 16-17 against the spread this season, with a 14-17-2 O/U record. Pittsburgh is 20-13 ATS this year, with a 15-17-1 over/under record.

Corey's Free Pick

It quickly looks like Pittsburgh is fading into their old ways, but I believe the bleeding stops this Saturday. After dropping five straight, there should be a sense of urgency in the clubhouse to try and bring this one home, and avoid flirting with a second straight sweep to the AL East. Toronto won’t be an easy out by any means, but this is a manageable spot at home for the Pirates, and they need a win right now. Spot Pittsburgh the runs for safety for this interleague matchup.