The Seattle Mariners (63-59) and Pittsburgh Pirates (56-64) open a 3-game set at PNC Park Friday. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET (Apple TV). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Mariners vs. Pirates odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: First meeting; Mariners won 2-1 last season
The Mariners were swept in 3 games at the Detroit Tigers. They lost 2-1 as -134 favorites in the Thursday finale as the Under (8.5) hit. Seattle is 2nd in the AL West, 3 games back of the division-leading Houston Astros, and 3½ games out of the final AL Wild Card spot.
The Pirates were also swept in a 3-game road series, wrapping up their 4th straight series loss with an 8-2 defeat as +121 underdogs at the San Diego Padres Wednesday with the Over (8.5) cashing. Pittsburgh is 5th in the NL Central. It is 12½ games behind the Milwaukee Brewers for the division lead and 7½ behind the Atlanta Braves for the last NL Wild Card.
Mariners at Pirates projected starters
RHP Logan Gilbert vs. RHP Paul Skenes
Gilbert (7-8, 2.91 ERA) makes his 25th start. He has a 0.87 WHIP, 1.6 BB/9 and 8.7 K/9 in 154 2/3 IP.
- Last start: Win, 7 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 1 BB, 6 K in 4-0 home victory vs. New York Mets Saturday
- 2024 road stats: 4-3, 3.30 ERA (76 1/3 IP, 28 ER), 0.93 WHIP, 7.9 K/9 in 12 starts
- Has never faced Pirates
Skenes (6-2, 2.25 ERA) makes his 16th start. The rookie has a 0.96 WHIP, 2.0 BB/9 and 11.3 K/9 in 92 IP.
- Last start: Loss, 6 IP, 4 ER, 6 H, 1 BB, 8 K in 4-1 setback at Los Angeles Dodgers Saturday
- 2024 home stats: 3-1, 2.77 ERA (48 2/3 IP, 15 ER), 1.11 WHIP, 9.8 K/9 in 8 starts
- Has never faced Mariners
Who’s going yard ? Here’s a breakdown of today’s best home run props with our top picks. Include the BetMGM bonus code SBWIRE to score a $1,500 first-bet offer.
Mariners at Pirates odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook ; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:12 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML) : Mariners +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Pirates -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS) : Mariners +1.5 (-210) | Pirates -1.5 (+170)
- Over/Under (O/U) : 6.5 (O: -125 | U: +105)
Mariners at Pirates picks and predictions
Prediction
Mariners 3, Pirates 2
The MARINERS ( +110 ) should hand Pittsburgh its 11th straight loss. Seattle is coming off an embarrassing sweep at the Tigers, but hasn’t lost 4 straight games since a 5-game skid July 12-20 (before and after the All-Star break).
This line is inflated because Skenes is starting for Pittsburgh. However, the Skenes stimulus package has ended, as the Pirates have lost 3 of his last 4 starts.
Buy the dip on Seattle. BET MARINERS ( +110 ).
Seattle +1.5 (-210) will likely hit, but there is way too much vig in this line to recommend a play.
PASS . Bet the ML and/or total instead.
Gilbert has allowed 1 or fewer ER in 4 of his last 5 starts, while Skenes has given up 2 or fewer in 9 of his last 10. However, 7 is a key number in MLB totals. And with it dropping this morning, be careful.
LEAN UNDER 6.5 ( +105 ).
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