Pittsburgh Pirates at Seattle Mariners odds, picks and predictions

The Pittsburgh Pirates (25-24) and Seattle Mariners (26-24) open a 3-game series in Emerald City on Friday. First pitch from T-Mobile Park is slated for 10:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Pirates vs. Mariners odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: first meeting since 2019

Pittsburgh begins a 6-game west coast road trip Friday.  The Pirates have lost 4 of their last 5 games while scoring just 3 runs per game over that stretch.

The Mariners started a 10-game homestand on Monday with a 4-game sweep of the Oakland Athletics. Seattle held Oakland to 2 runs or fewer in all 4 games.

Pirates at Mariners projected starters

RHP Mitch Keller vs. RHP George Kirby

Keller (5-1, 2.44 ERA) makes his 11th start. He has a 0.97 WHIP, 2.0 BB/9 and 11.1 K/9 in 62 2/3 IP.

• Last start: No-decision, 6 IP, 2 ER, 3 H, 0 BB, 8 K, in a 4-3 home loss vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Saturday
• Only career start vs Mariners: Loss, 5 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 7 K in 6-0 home defeat Sept. 17, 2019

Kirby (5-3, 2.62 ERA) makes his 10th start. He has a 1.01 WHIP, 0.8 BB/9 and 7.3 K/9 in 58 1/3 innings.

• Last start: Loss, 7 IP, 3 ER, 6 H, 1 BB, 6 K, in a 3-2 road setback vs. Atlanta Braves Sunday
• Has never faced the Pirates in his career
• 2023 home splits: 3-1, 3.04 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 1 HR allowed, 22 K in 23 2/3 innings over 4 starts

Pirates at Mariners odds

BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:30 a.m. ET.

Win your fantasy baseball league with BaseballHQ.com. For decades, BHQ has been helping players just like you win! Use the couple code SBW23 for $15 OFF a full-season subscription. New customer offer; expires 9/30/2023. Subscribe today and start winning!

Pirates at Mariners picks and predictions

Prediction

Mariners 3, Pirates 2

PASS.

I would not touch this money line because of the even pitching matchup despite that I do think the Mariners (-150) should win this game. The moneyline here is just too steep for a game with an outcome that I’m not uber-confident about.

PASS.

These lines do not tempt me into making a wager. My lean would be the Mariners -1.5 (+145), but it’s not enough of a lean that I would advise you to make a bet. This game will come down to the bullpens, and that’s risky business in what might be a tight series opener.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

BET UNDER 7 (-120).

Pittsburgh has struggled to score over their last 5 outings, and Kirby has a solid 3.04 ERA at home to start the season. Keller has been lights out over his last 3 turns, allowing just 2 total runs over his last 22 innings pitched.

Additional MLB coverage:
BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball
BaseballPress.com: Your source for every MLB lineup