MLB Odds, Betting Preview, and Pick: Red Sox vs. Mariners



Professional sports handicapper Ross Benjamin breaks down Thursday’s Boston/Seattle game. Join us in reading this insightful betting preview article that culminates with Ross’ pick.

The Red Sox (47-22) and Mariners (44-24) will square off in a 4-game series commencing on Thursday. The opening pitch from Safeco Field in Seattle is slated for 10:10 PM ET. The current MLB odds at BetOnline indicates that Boston is a money line favorite of -123 and there’s a posted total of 8.5.

Today will be the first meeting of the season between these teams. Since 2016, they’ve faced each other 13 times and 10 of those stayed under the total. Additionally, and during that precise time frame, this has been an evenly matched head to head series, proven by Boston going 7-6.

 

Probable Starting Pitchers

Boston Red Sox free playThe Red Sox will turn to veteran southpaw David Price for this series opener. Price is 5-0 in his last 5 team starts while posting a very good 2.81 ERA. He’ll be facing a Seattle team that owns an outstanding win percentage of .647. Price is a highly profitable 13-3 in his career team starts when facing an opponent who’s win percentage of .620 or better.

It’s been apparent that father time is beginning to creep up on Felix Hernandez. “King Felix” has been annually one of the best power pitchers in baseball. However, his numbers this season exemplify a decline in that specific area. Hernandez has struck out just 64 in 77.3 innings pitch. There’s a lot of starting pitchers that would be glad to take that strikeout to innings pitched ratio. However, considering Hernandez has averaged better than a strikeout per inning throughout his illustrious career, those numbers aren’t up to his standards. The career long Mariner has an uninspiring 5.70 ERA thru 14 starts in 2018. It’s also worth noting, he’s made 3 starts against Boston since 2015 and compiled a brutal 11.57 ERA during those appearances.

 

Intriguing Team Trends

Boston is a stellar 24-11 during their away games in 2018 and that includes winning 5 straight on the road. They’ve also seen 8 of their previous 9 games stay under the total. During that 9-game stretch, the Red Sox have allowed 2 runs or less 6 times. Boston has gone just 7-7 against left-handed starting pitchers this season but they’re a superb 39-15 against right-handers.

Seattle Mariners MLB previewThe Mariners a red-hot 20-5 during their previous 25 games that includes winning 11 of its last 13. Seattle is 7-1-1 over the total in their last 9 games and have scored 5 runs or more on 7 of those occasions. I’ve stated on numerous occasions recently, Seattle has been the most undervalued team in baseball up to this point. The proof is in the pudding when you consider their tremendous 28-12 record when there’s a money line of +125 to -125, and that comprises of 15-5 at Safeco Field.

Final Take and Pick

At this precise moment, I have more faith in David Price than Felix Hernandez. Another key factor that will work in Boston’s favor is their bullpen. Red Sox relievers have been consistently good since the season began, and their cumulative 1.90 ERA thru its previous 7 games has been impressive. Meanwhile, Seattle’s bullpen staff has a combined 4.79 ERA during the Mariners last 7 games. My MLB pick will be on the road favorite.

Pick: Boston Red Sox -123

Ross Benjamin Free Pick

Ross Benjamin is a top sports analyst and one of the sports industry's most respected handicappers. Follow him on Twitter: @RossBenjamin1 or visit his website at RBWins.com


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