Seattle Mariners at Houston Astros odds, picks and predictions
The Seattle Mariners (66-55) open a 3-game series against the Houston Astros (70-52) on Friday at Minute Maid Park. First pitch is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Mariners vs. Astros odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Mariners lead 5-2
The Mariners picked up a 3rd straight win with a 6-4 victory over the Kansas City Royals Thursday. Seattle is in 3rd place in the AL West and is 6 games behind the Texas Rangers atop the division and 1/2 game back of the Toronto Blue Jays for the final AL Wild Card.
The Astros cruised to a 12-5 victory over the Miami Marlins Wednesday for a 2nd consecutive win. Houston is in 2nd place in the AL West, 2 1/2 games back of Texas, and holds the 2nd AL Wild Card.
Mariners at Astros projected starters
RHP Bryce Miller vs. RHP J.P. France
Miller (7-4, 4.04 ERA) makes his 18th start. He has a 1.05 WHIP, 1.9 BB/9 and 8.6 K/9 through 91 1/3 IP.
- Last start: No-decision, 5 2/3 IP, 2R (1 ER), 5 H, 2 BB, 2 K in 5-3 home loss vs. Baltimore Orioles Sunday
- 2023 road stats: 2-2, 5.15 ERA (36 2/3 IP, 21 ER) over 7 starts
- One career start vs. Astros: Win, 6 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 1 BB, 5 K in a 3-1 home win on May 7
France (9-3, 2.74 ERA) makes his 17th start and 18th appearance. He has a 1.21 WHIP, 2.6 BB/9 and 6.4 K/9 through 102 IP.
- Last start: Win, 7 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 5 K in 11-3 home win vs. Los Angeles Angels Saturday
- 2023 home stats: 4-1, 3.58 ERA (50 1/3 IP, 20 ER) in 8 starts
- One career start vs. Mariners: No-decision, 5 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 1 BB, 5 K in a 7-5 road loss on May 6
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Mariners at Astros odds
BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:45 a.m. ET.
Mariners at Astros picks and predictions
Prediction
Astros 4, Mariners 3
France has been credited with a win in each of his 4 starts since the All-Star break, so I’ll take the ASTROS (-145) at home in Friday’s divisional matchup. Both of these teams have had recent stretches of success, but Houston has the slight edge at home.
Go ahead and PASS on wagering on the run line in this game as the Mariners should keep this game competitive. That being said, I wouldn’t take Seattle with the run of insurance unless you can get it at -160 odds or better.
UNDER 8.5 (+100) is the play Friday with Miller and France pitching well in recent starts. Miller has given up 1 or fewer earned runs in 4 of his 6 starts since the All-Star break, while France has surrendered 2 or fewer earned runs in his last 4 starts.
The Under is also 4-1 in the last 5 meetings this season.
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