MLB Prediction: Will Hernandez lead the Mariners past the Astros? 6/23/17
With the return of their ace, can the Seattle Mariners get past the red-hot Houston Astros when the two meet at 10:10PM ET? Here’s our MLB Prediction for this clash.
THE ODDS
According to the latest oddsmakers, the Mariners are favored at home today, as they are getting odds of -120 to win. Houston is listed with odds of +100 to prevail, while the over/under total for the contest has been set at 9.5 runs. Houston has won five of seven meetings with the Mariners this year.
PITCHING MATCHUP
The pitching matchup tonight has Felix Hernandez (2-2, 4.72 ERA) taking the mound for Seattle to face Joe Musgrove (4-6, 5.09) of the Astros.
King Felix hasn’t pitched since April 25 when he allowed four runs in two innings to the Tigers. He went on the DL with a shoulder injury that caused him to miss two months. On the season, Felix has allowed 14 runs in 26.2 innings. He has 22 strikeouts with three walks and a 1.58 WHIP. Musgrove is coming off another poor outing, allowing five earned runs in 5.2 innings against Boston. He has given up 37 runs over 63.2 innings and has 20 walks with 52 strikeouts. His WHIP is 1.41.
THE ASTROS
The Astros are coming off a four-game sweep over the Athletics in Oakland. Houston is 50-24 overall and 27-8 on the road. Houston is averaging 5.42 runs per game while allowing 3.82 per contest. The Astros are being led by Jose Altuve. He is hitting .332 with 20 doubles, 10 home runs, 34 RBI and 12 stolen bases. George Springer is adding 21 home runs with 46 RBI.
THE MARINERS
Seattle is coming off a four-game sweep at home of the Tigers. They have won five straight games. Seattle is now 38-37 overall and 24-13 at home. Seattle is putting up 4.81 runs per game while allowing 4.88 per contest. The Mariners are being led by Nelson Cruz, who has 14 home runs, 15 doubles and 58 RBI. Robinson Cano is adding 13 home runs and 48 RBI.
MLB PREDICTION
Both teams are rolling right now and Seattle should feel confident with King Felix returning to action. While he wasn’t at his best prior to the injury, I think his return will give the Mariners a nice boost. Seattle has been strong at home all season and the Mariners are looking at this series as a chance to show they can contend.
Houston has been outstanding on the road, but prior to the sweep of Oakland, the Astros weren’t playing their best. I am going to go with Seattle winning behind King Felix.
MLB Prediction: Seattle Mariners -120
