Bryan Armetta offers up a preview, prediction and pick for Thursday’s game between the Seattle Mariners and the Los Angeles Angels.
AL West foes are set to clash when the Angels host the Mariners. For Seattle, 54-48, every game matters in a crowded American League playoff picture. Los Angeles, despite being under .500, is just four games out of a postseason spot. Which of these two rivals will come out on top tonight? Below, I’ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Thursday’s matchup between the Mariners and the Angels.
The Angels are favorites (-156) over the Mariners, with the over/under set at 9.5 runs. Let’s break down which side has the edge on DraftKings Sportsbook entering tonight’s contest.
Mariners vs. Angels prediction, preview
For the visiting Mariners, it’ll be Logan Evans toeing the slab. Over his first ten career outings, the 24-year-old has performed admirably (3.81 ERA, 1.42 WHIP). However, a 4.88 FIP means that regression could be on the horizon. In addition, the right-hander is a significantly worse pitcher away from Seattle. During five road starts this season, Evans owns a 5.06 ERA. In his previous three games away from home, he’s surrendered a combined six home runs to opposing batters.
Keeping the ball in the park is essential for Evans tonight. The Angels have clobbered 149 home runs this season, the fourth-highest mark in baseball. Four different Los Angeles batters have notched at least 18 dingers: Taylor Ward (23), Jo Adell (21), Mike Trout (18) and Logan O’Hoppe (18). However, none of those names have a batting average above .242; this is truly an all-or-nothing lineup. Evans, owner of a mediocre 1.5 HR/9 rate, doesn’t appear poised to take advantage.
On an otherwise mediocre Angels pitching staff, Yusei Kikuchi has been a breath of fresh air. Despite some control issues, the Japanese hurler earned his second career All-Star Game selection. Looking over his numbers, it’s easy to see why. The 34-year-old has recorded a 3.13 ERA and 123 strikeouts over 118.0 innings of work. Over four career outings vs. his old team, Kikuchi has held the Mariners to just one run (0.39 ERA). Outside of Jorge Polanco (.333 batting average), nearly everyone on this Seattle offense has struggled against the southpaw. That includes Randy Arozarena (.227), Cal Raleigh (.200), and Julio Rodriguez (.083).
Mariners vs. Angels pick, best bet
On most nights, the visiting Mariners would have the edge on the mound. That’s not the case on Thursday with an All-Star such as Kikuchi on the bump. The lefty’s dominance vs. Seattle isn’t something that can be ignored. In addition, Evans appears due for a letdown start against the homer-happy Halos. At plus money, expect the Angels to cover.