Blue Jays vs. Red Sox prediction and odds for Friday, August 4 (Take the OVER)

This weekend's series between the Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox is arguably the most important of the season for both teams.

The Jays currently hold a 2.0 game lead over the Red Sox for the final wild card spot, but they're 0-7 against Boston this season. If the Jays want to still be holding on to that spot at the end of the weekend, they need to snap their losing streak against the Red Sox in a big way.

Alek Manoah gets the start for the Jays in tonight's series opener and I feel like I share the feelings with all Jays fans in that he doesn't exactly make me confident in their chances to win tonight.

So, how should we bet on the game? We just take the OVER and hope for the best.

Blue Jays vs. Red Sox odds, run line, and total

Blue Jays vs. Red Sox prediction and pick

Since returning to the Blue Jays rotation, Alek Manoah has had two solid starts and two bad starts, so who knows which version of him is going to show up tonight. In his only start against the Red Sox this season, he allowed just two earned runs but gave up eight hits in the process.

Sure, I'd love to bet on the Blue Jays to win this game as underdogs, but let's be honest, the OVER is the better play with Manoah on the mound.

In a positive light, the Jays have smashed lefties over the past month. During that time frame, they're fifth in OPS against lefties at .834. Tonight, they'll face a familiar foe in James Paxton, who just happens to be a lefty.

If their success against lefties continues, there's no doubt they'll be able to contribute to the OVER tonight.

Let's sit back and root for runs (a Jays victory would be nice too).

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.