Mariners vs. Phillies prediction and odds for Thursday, April 27 (A stalemate in the rubber-match)

It’s weird because these two teams feel like almost mirror images of each other. They both made the postseason for the first time in years last season, both were trendy World Series picks in the offseason, and both are off to slow starts. It’s only fitting that the Philadelphia Phillies and Seattle Mariners split the first two games of this three game series. The Phillies are fourth in the NL East, 12-13, and the Mariners are fourth in the AL West 11-13.

For the rubber-match, Philadelphia will hand the ball to Matt Strahm who is 1-2 with a 3.00 ERA and Seattle will go with 2-1 George Kirby who has a 3.57 ERA. It’s an early start in Philadelphia, so let’s get right into the odds.

Matt Strahm started the year in the Phillies bullpen, but has been very strong as a starting pitcher. Last time out he 5.1 and allowed three earned runs, but had 11 strikeouts to just two walks and currently has a 2.95 FIP to go along with his 3.00 ERA. He’s also a lefty which is far from ideal for the Philadelphia Phillies who are 25th in OPS against left-handers this season. However, Teoscar Hernandez has been fantastic hitting left-handed pitching so far with a 1.286 OPS and four homers in 21 at-bats. 

Jarred Kelenic has also been strong against lefties this season and is having a breakout year, much like Brandon Marsh on the other side. Kelenic has a 1.065 OPS overall this year with seven home runs and 14 RBI. Marsh is hitting .351 with a 1.138 OPS, four long balls and 14 RBI. This is how even these two teams are, they both have young outfielder who were former top prospects that disappointed in their first foray into the MLB, but are currently exploding offensively. 

While Strahm has been very good, Kirby has been even better, but I’m leaning towards the Phillies today. It’s a getaway day and Seattle still has a long road trip ahead of them. This is their first series on the east coast and a 1:05 pm EST start is like a 10:05 first pitch and that’s early especially when you don’t have your good Seattle coffee. 

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change