Fenway Park is going to be rocking tonight. With the Mariners stumbling and Emerson Hancock on the mound, rowdy Bostonians fueled by tea hope the Red Sox are primed to punish a pitching staff that’s outmatched. It hasn’t been pretty for Seattle on the road this season, but their offense is showing enough signs of life that they’ve got a solid-enough shot against southpaw Sean Newcomb. Below, I’ve got my preview, prediction, and best bet for tonight’s Friday baseball game between the Red Sox and Mariners.
Here’s how I’ll play it. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games all season, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more betting plays.
Red Sox vs. Mariners prediction, preview
The Red Sox have come alive in recent weeks, winning six of their last seven games, and it’s easy to see why. They’re smacking around right-handed pitching, posting a .740 OPS and 4.64 runs per game—eighth in MLB. With the right-handed Hancock on the mound for the Mariners, they’ll have every opportunity to extend this hot streak. Hancock’s ERA sits at a miserable 12.71 over his first two starts this season, and his WHIP is a disastrous 2.29. That’s not a formula for success, especially against a Boston offense that’s feasting on pitchers like him.
And while Boston’s offense is humming, it’s not just their bats that are clicking. Sean Newcomb’s been solid, posting a 3.63 ERA this year. He’s yet to allow a homer in 17.1 innings of work and has been effective in limiting damage. While Seattle has power—Cal Raleigh’s nine homers lead the charge—they’ve struggled against lefties. A .212 team average and a .330 slugging percentage against southpaws tell you all you need to know about their offense’s ability to break through tonight.
Red Sox vs. Mariners pick, best bet
The Red Sox also hold a serious edge in the bullpen department. While Boston’s relievers have been steady (3.99 ERA), Seattle’s bullpen has faltered, sitting 21st in WHIP (1.34). The Mariners haven’t had the depth to back up Hancock’s struggles, and with Newcomb and the Sox bullpen in a good spot, this should be another night where Boston locks it down after getting the lead.
There’s real value in backing Boston here, especially when you consider the trend—Boston is 7-1 in their last eight home games against the Mariners. They’ve also covered the run line in seven of those eight games. The Mariners have proven vulnerable when facing a lineup like the Red Sox, and with the pitching matchup tilting in Boston’s favor, expect them to take control early and never let go.
Best bet: Red Sox -1.5 (+140) vs. Seattle Mariners
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