Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman (2) celebrates with left fielder Roman Anthony (19) after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park in Houston Aug. 12.

The Miami Marlins (58-63) face the Boston Red Sox (66-56) in the opener of a 3-game set Friday. First pitch from Fenway Park in Boston is set for 7:10 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's MLB odds around the Marlins vs. Red Sox odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: First meeting; Red Sox won 3-0 last year

The Fish were fried by the Cleveland Guardians 9-4 Thursday. SS Xavier Edwards extended his hitting streak to 9 games, and it was his seventh multi-hit game in the streak. He's hitting .345 with 2 homers, 15 RBIs, 29 runs and 9 steals in his last 39 games. Meanwhile, the Marlins are just 2-6 in their lengthy road trip.

The Red Sox had Thursday off after dropping Wednesday's slate 4-1 to the Houston Astros. They scattered 8 hits but could just post 1 run. The top 3 hitters in the order went a combined 0-for-11 with 5 K's. The Red Sox were 2-4 on their 6-game road trip, but return home, where they are 39-22.

Marlins at Red Sox projected starters

RHP Sandy Alcantara vs. RHP Lucas Giolito

Alcantara (6-11, 6.55 ERA) makes his 24th start. He has a 1.46 WHIP, 3.5 BB/9 and 6.7 K/9 over 121 innings.

  • Last start: Loss, 5 IP, 5 ER, 7 H, 4 BB, 4 K in 8-6 loss at Atlanta Braves Saturday
  • 2 career starts vs. Red Sox: 1-1, 1.38 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 10 K in 13 IP

Giolito (8-2, 3.77 ERA) makes his 19th start. He has a 1.25 WHIP, 3.0 BB/9 and 7.4 K/9 through 100 1/3 innings.

  • Last start: No-decision, 4 2/3 IP, 4 ER, 5 H, 6 BB, 1 K in 5-4 loss in 10 innings at San Diego Padres Saturday
  • Career vs. Marlins: 1 home start with Chicago White Sox (June 11, 2023), no-decision, 7 IP, 1 ER, 6 H, 1 BB, 8 K in 6-5 loss

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Marlins at Red Sox odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:45 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Marlins +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Red Sox -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Marlins +1.5 (-155) | Red Sox -1.5 (+125)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -118 | U: -102)

Marlins at Red Sox picks and predictions

Prediction

Red Sox 6, Marlins 4

Moneyline

The price is right at my limit, and you can take the Red Sox at (-160) here, but I'm opting for the RL.

PASS.

Run line/Against the spread

Of the Red Sox's last 6 wins, they've all been by multiple runs. Alcantara has allowed 11 ER in his last 2 GS. Boston has scored 4+ runs in 7 of its last 10 games.

Give me the RED SOX -1.5 (+125).

Over/Under

The wind is blowing in from right-center at 8 mph on a 70-degree evening. However, both of these teams have been Over teams. Miami is 7-3 O/U in its last 10, and Boston is 8-2. With a couple of starters that don't miss enough bats, give me the OVER 8.5 (-118).

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This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: Miami Marlins at Boston Red Sox odds, picks and predictions

Reporting by Ryan Dodson, Sportsbook Wire / Sportsbook Wire

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