Astros vs. Mariners Prediction and Odds for Friday, July 22 (Can Seattle Stay Hot?)
No team was hotter than the Seattle Mariners heading into the All-Star break.
They entered the pause in action having won 14-straight, and are now three games inside of the playoffs. Despite the hot streak, they're still 9.5 games behind the Astros atop the AL West, but have a chance to bite into the deficit this weekend when they play a three-game series at home against their divisional opponents.
Let's take a look at the odds for Friday night's AL West action.
Astros vs. Mariners Odds, Run Line, and Total
Run line:
- Astros -1.5 (+140)
- Mariners +1.5 (-165)
Moneyline:
- Astros -115
- Mariners -105
Total:
- 8.5 (OVER -105 | UNDER -115)
Astros vs. Mariners Prediction and Pick
The Mariners weren't as bad as their early season record indicated, but they're also not as good as their record in July indicates either.
Even dating back to the start of June, their offense's numbers have been average at best. During that span, they rank 17th in OPS (.712) and 24th in batting average (.233).
With that being said, I have no interest in completely fading them when Marco Gonzales starts, which he's expected to on Friday. He has a 3.50 ERA on the season, and he's only allowed more than two runs once in his last seven starts. More importantly, he's a lefty and Houston has struggled against left-handed pitchers this season.
The Astros rank 23rd in OPS vs. lefties at (.233). With all of that in consideration, I'll back the UNDER on Friday night.
Pick: UNDER 8.5 (-115)
You can track Iain's bets on Betstamp here.