This article is part of our MLB Picks series.
Previous article: 1-2-1, -1.17 RW Bucks
Season: 72-75-7, -9.16 RW Bucks
I'm focusing on a couple of big strikeout pitchers in each league Friday night and banking on them to be in top form despite each taking the hill on the road.
Toronto Blue Jays 
at Baltimore Orioles 
7:05 PM ET
Starting Pitchers: Robbie Ray vs. Chris Ellis
The Pick: Ray Over 7.5 strikeouts (-125 on DraftKings Sportsbook)
Secondary Pick: Orioles Under 1.5 runs – first 5 innings (-120 on DraftKings Sportsbook) for 1 RW Buck
Ray has eight straight quality starts and double-digit Ks in four consecutive outings. He's recorded at least eight strikeouts in 16 of 27 starts and boasts a 12.4 K/9 on the road. Ray has also surrendered one earned run or less in three of his last four starts and held the Orioles to just two over seven innings while recording 10 strikeouts two starts ago.
Cincinnati Reds 
at St. Louis Cardinals 
8:15 PM ET
Starting Pitchers: Tyler Mahle vs. Jon Lester
The Pick: Reds -0.5 – first 5 innings (+105 on DraftKings Sportsbook) for 1 RW Buck
Secondary Pick: Mahle Over 5.5 strikeouts (-110 on FanDuel Sportsbook) for 1 RW Buck
Mahle is the most profitable F5 pitcher in baseball with an 18-5-5 mark in that split, and the Reds have a 65-55-19 mark in first 5 innings moneyline wagers as well. Mahle also has at least six strikeouts in 19 of 28 starts, exceeding that mark with eight and nine Ks in two of three starts versus the Cardinals this season.
