The Mariners and Tigers play the third game of their three-game series on Sunday, June 7.
Seattle is a -123 moneyline favorite, while Detroit is +102 on DraftKings Sportsbook. The game total is set at over/under 8.5 runs.
Let’s get into a pick and prediction for this Mariners vs. Tigers game.
Mariners vs. Tigers prediction, preview
These teams split the first two games of the series in different styles. The Tigers took game one, continuing their win streak with a 7-3 victory. The offense that shined against the Rays was alive against Bryan Woo. The Mariners won game two with a 4-0 shutout, silencing the Detroit offense at last. Game three on Sunday is the decider.
It could be another rambunctious offensive night for Detroit as Luis Castillo is starting for the Mariners. He’s been better over his past three outings, but two of those were out of the bullpen. Once an elite-level starter, the right-hander has become a liability for Seattle with his 5.53 ERA. He’s allowed at least three earned runs in six of 12 outings this season.
It’s not much better for Detroit with Jack Flaherty on the mound. The 30-year-old has a 5.31 ERA but is coming off six scoreless frames against the Rays in his last start. That performance lowered his ERA from 5.81 and marked his first scoreless outing since April 20. Wins aren’t the most important pitching stat, but it’s worth noting that Flaherty is 1-7 this season, earning his first victory in said start vs. Tampa Bay.
With struggling starters, the bullpen could be called upon early. Seattle owns the advantage with the third best collective ERA in the majors. The Tigers rank 19th in bullpen ERA, making their unit less viable if Flaherty can’t hold it down.
Mariners vs. Tigers Pick, Best Bet
I sided with Seattle for the first two games, but I’m switching sides for this matchup. It’s been difficult to trust Castillo on the mound, and that’s not just coming from me. He fell out of the rotation for a moment due to his struggles.
Flaherty isn’t much better, but he is coming off a great outing against an excellent Rays team. The home team should take the series at plus-money.
