Here at Elite Sports Beat I am releasing my first MLB pick of the 2025 season tonight. And guess what!? I decided to give it out for FREE below! Be sure to check it out and DO NOT SLEEP ON THIS BET!

Baltimore Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles opened the 2025 MLB season with an emphatic statement, launching a franchise-record six home runs en route to a dominant 12-2 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on Opening Day. As the four-game series continues Friday night, the Blue Jays will aim to regroup and respond after a humbling home defeat.

Baltimore’s offensive explosion left no doubt about their intent this season. The Orioles out-hit Toronto 14-4 and chased starter Jose Berrios after just four innings. Berrios entered the game with a stellar 10-1 career record and 2.95 ERA in 16 starts against Baltimore, but was tagged for three home runs and six earned runs.

Leading the charge was outfielder Tyler O’Neill, who made history once again with a three-run blast — his sixth consecutive Opening Day with a home run, extending his own MLB record. The 28-year-old slugger continues to be a clutch performer when the spotlight is brightest.

What makes the Orioles’ power surge even more impressive is that it came without two of their top home run hitters from last season. Anthony Santander, who hit 44 home runs in 2024, signed with Toronto in the offseason and went 0-for-4 against his former club. Gunnar Henderson, who belted 37 homers and drove in 92 RBIs last year, missed the opener with an intercostal strain but is expected back soon.

Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays, despite finishing spring training with an encouraging 18-10 record, were met with boos from the home crowd by the eighth inning — a reminder of the offensive inconsistency that plagued them in 2024. Their best hitter, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., was walked twice and left without much support from the lineup.

Toronto will turn to right-hander Kevin Gausman (14-11, 3.83 ERA in 2024) on Friday to quiet the Orioles’ bats. Gausman had mixed results against Baltimore last season, posting a 1-1 record with a 5.02 ERA in two starts. Over his career, he is 2-4 with a 4.75 ERA in seven appearances against his former team.

The Orioles will counter with veteran right-hander Charlie Morton (8-10, 4.19 ERA in 2024). The 41-year-old didn’t face Toronto last season but brings a wealth of experience and a career 2-2 record with a 4.01 ERA in nine starts against the Blue Jays.

Despite the lopsided loss, there were a few bright spots for Toronto. New acquisition Andrés Giménez, a Gold Glove second baseman acquired from the Cleveland Guardians, delivered a two-run homer. Additionally, rookie outfielder Alan Roden impressed in his major league debut with a single and a walk.

Orioles vs Blue Jays Elite MLB Pick 3/28

For the third consecutive year, the Baltimore Orioles opened their season by scoring double-digit runs — an encouraging sign for the club’s offensive potential in 2025. However, as the series continues, it’s important not to overreact to one game. Toronto sends veteran right-hander Kevin Gausman to the mound, who previously held the Orioles in check over eight strong innings during their last meeting on August 8th. Additionally, expect a more competitive showing from the Blue Jays’ lineup, which will be looking to provide stronger run support at home. Back the Blue Jays to bounce back at Rogers Centre.

Toronto Blue Jays -130 (10*)

5* = $500
10* = $1,000


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