Saturday brings us another loaded MLB slate. There are numerous matchups between division rivals and potential playoff opponents. One such contest is between the Seattle Mariners and the Detroit Tigers.
Detroit has marched along this season. With the best record in the AL and six All-Stars going to Atlanta on Tuesday, it’s all coming up Detroit this year. And Seattle is squarely in a stacked American League wild-card race. These games could go a long way towards sorting out who is buying and who is selling at the trade deadline in three weeks.
The Tigers are -131 moneyline favorites at home on the DraftKings Sportsbook. Seattle is a +108 road underdog. The total is set at eight runs. Let’s dig into a prediction for this Mariners-Tigers contest.
Mariners vs. Tigers prediction, preview
Saturday’s matinee matchup should be an excellent pitching duel. For Detroit, Casey Mize takes the mound. It’s been a huge turnaround season for the former No. 1 overall pick. It’s his first turn on the mound since being named an All-Star for the first time. Detroit was in need of a No. 2 to step up behind Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal; Mize has more than delivered.
The Seattle Mariners came into the season with one of the best rotations in baseball, on paper. But man plans, and God laughs. Injuries have struck Bryce Miller, Logan Gilbert, and Saturday’s starter George Kirby at various points. Now Kirby is back and looking to reestablish his form. His 4.22 ERA on the season would be the worst mark of his four-year career. If Seattle wants to lock up a playoff spot, they’ll need Kirby healthy and in form.
Good news for Seattle: he’s found a groove. After pitching to a 6.16 ERA in his first six starts of the season, Kirby has spun three straight quality starts. The 27-year-old holds a 0.98 ERA over those three starts, having gone six innings in all three contests. His hot stretch, combined with Seattle’s excellent offensive output over the last few days, gives me confidence that they can pull the road upset.
Mariners vs. Tigers pick, best bet
Seattle Mariners Moneyline (+108)
After Friday’s 12-3 thrashing, the Mariners have to feel good about themselves. Facing the team with the best record in baseball can be intimidating. Taking the first game of the series removes a lot of pressure from their shoulders.
In what could be a pitching duel, I trust the power of Julio Rodríguez and Cal Raleigh to take Seattle over the finish line. I’m also going to throw a little something on the under at eight runs; yes, these are two potent offenses, but I think pitching wins the day in what should be a close-fought contest.
