The Seattle Mariners look to extend their dominance at T-Mobile Park, facing off against a Washington Nationals team still finding its footing. With a 30-23 record, the Mariners are atop the AL West, but recent losses have exposed weaknesses in their offense and pitching staff. They’re hoping to bounce back from a rough stretch, and the Nationals present an opportunity to do just that. Below, I’ve got my preview, prediction, and best bet for this Wednesday night baseball game between the Mariners and the Nationals.
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.
Mariners vs. Nationals prediction, preview
The Nationals (24-30) enter this matchup underperforming, having dropped three of their last four. Their offense has been inconsistent, averaging just 4.2 runs per game, and they’re facing a Mariners’ pitching staff that, despite some bumps in the road, is statistically superior. Trevor Williams (2-5, 6.39 ERA) takes the mound for Washington. The veteran right-hander has struggled mightily this season, allowing 62 hits and 25 earned runs over 49.1 innings. Opponents have hit a blistering .305 against him, and his strikeout rate of 7.5 K/9 is hardly intimidating. His command issues will be put to the test against a Mariners lineup that has shown flashes of power despite their .237 batting average.
Seattle’s George Kirby (0-1, 12.27 ERA) will take the mound, hoping to rebound from a rough season debut where he allowed five earned runs in just 3.2 innings. Despite his struggles, Kirby’s past performance suggests a potential turnaround, and this is a good opportunity for him to show his control and consistency. His 4.15 FIP last season suggests that his ERA may be inflated due to some bad luck, and a Nationals team that has struck out 418 times this season is a perfect target for Kirby’s skillset.
Offensively, the Mariners have been led by the steady presence of Cal Raleigh (19 HR, 37 RBIs), who has provided consistent power in the middle of the lineup. He’s supported by Julio Rodríguez, who’s coming off a strong stretch where he’s posted three home runs and 11 RBIs in his last seven games. J.P. Crawford, with his .384 OBP, provides the Mariners with a table-setter, and their collective .327 OBP ranks eighth in MLB. The Mariners’ ability to get on base and then capitalize on scoring opportunities against a vulnerable Williams should be the difference in this matchup.
Washington has its own threats in James Wood (14 HR, 37 RBIs) and C.J. Abrams (.287 AVG), who have provided power and consistent contact at the top of their order. But against Seattle’s solid bullpen, which ranks eighth in the league in save percentage (69.2%), Washington’s offense is likely to sputter late in the game. The Nationals have struggled to put up runs against quality pitching, and they’re facing a Mariners squad that has been strong at home, posting a 13-11 record, while Washington is just 11-16 on the road.
Nationals vs. Mariners pick, best bet
From a betting perspective, the Mariners haven’t been great against the spread recently—failing to cover in 10 of their last 11 games after a win. That may have you leaning toward the Nationals to cover the runline at +1.5. However, the Mariners have been strong against National League teams this season, with a 6-0 record, and their bullpen is healthier and more reliable than Washington’s, which has had its share of struggles. Given the Nationals’ road woes and Williams’ inconsistent pitching, this is a spot where Seattle’s depth should shine.
Looking at the over/under of 8.0 runs, both teams have shown a tendency to hit the over in certain situations recently. Seattle’s recent home games have gone over in 10 of the last 12, but the Nationals have hit the under in their last four. However, with both starters struggling and the potential for a high-scoring game, the over could be the more favorable bet. So that’s how we’ll go, even though I love Kirby’s ability to suppress offensive firepower.
Scoring was down across the league last night. Let’s see if it bangs back up.
Best bet: Mariners vs. Nationals o8.0 total runs (-120)
With Raleigh, Rodriguez, Wood, and Abrams all heating up, there should be plenty of scoring opportunities—tail it with me in the DKN Betting Group here!
