In this article, we will formulate a Mariners vs Astros prediction for this MLB game on Friday, July 18, at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, Washington. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup.
Houston Astros Betting Preview
The Houston Astros (56-40, 23-21 Away) closed the first half of the season with five losses in six games. After being swept at the hands of the Cleveland Guardians at home, the Astros lost a series to the Texas Rangers, also at home. In a rubber match 5-1 defeat, Zack Short hit his first homer of the year, while Hunter Brown took the loss after allowing four runs on five hits with eight strikeouts and two walks in 5.0 innings.
This year, the Astros average 4.35 runs per game (15th in the MLB) on a .258/.323/.411 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Astros’ staff has a 3.61 ERA (5th) and 1.16 WHIP (1st). Jose Altuve leads the Astros with a .277 batting average, 17 home runs, and 52 RBI this season.
The projected starting pitcher for the Astros is Brandon Walter, who is 1-2 in seven starts this season, with a 3.98 ERA and 1.01 WHIP in 40.2 innings.
Seattle Mariners Betting Preview
The Seattle Mariners (51-45, 25-21 Home) peculiarly finished the first half. First, they swept the Pittsburgh Pirates without allowing a single run in three games; then, they were swept by the New York Yankees, and finally, Seattle swept the Detroit Tigers on the road. In the latest 8-4 victory, Julio Rodriguez and Randy Arozarena led the offense with two RBI apiece, while Logan Gilbert pitched for 5.1 innings in a no-decision, allowing two runs (none earned) on six hits with nine strikeouts and two walks. Matt Brash was credited with the win.
This season, the Mariners average 4.70 runs per game (8th in the MLB) on a .250/.326/.418 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Mariners’ staff has a 3.86 ERA (16th) and 1.26 WHIP (16th). Cal Raleigh leads the Mariners with a .259 batting average, 38 home runs, and 82 RBI this season.
Luis Castillo will take the mound for the Mariners on Friday. The 32-year-old right-hander has a 6-5 record in 19 starts this year with a 3.41 ERA and 1.24 WHIP in 108.1 innings.
Why the Mariners will beat the Astros
- The Mariners have won eight of their last nine home games against AL West opponents.
- The Astros have lost five of their last six games against American League opponents.
- The Astros have failed to cover the run line in each of their last eight night games against American League opponents.
- The Mariners have covered the run line in each of their last five home games against AL West opponents following a win.
- The Mariners have led after 5 innings in four of their last five home games against AL West opponents.
- The Astros have trailed after 3 innings in four of their last five games against American League opponents.
Total Runs Facts
- Each of the Mariners’ last six games against American League opponents have gone OVER the total runs line.
- Five of the Astros’ last six road games against AL West opponents have gone OVER the total runs line.
- The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in 10 of the Astros’ last 11 games as road underdogs against AL West opponents.
- The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in five of the Mariners’ last six night games.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Mariners rank T5th in the league for steals this season (85).
- The Mariners rank 26th in the league for strikeouts against this season (847).
- The Astros rank 2nd in the league for opponent batting average this season (.225).
- The Astros rank 2nd in the league for hits allowed this season (715).
Mariners vs Astros Prediction
The teams have traded wins in the past couple of years, each recording five in the previous ten H2H encounters. This season, the Astros lead 4-3, but I am backing the Mariners, not only because they are in better form at the moment, but because of the pitching matchup. Brandon Walter allowed seven runs in his last two starts, five of which were against one of the weakest offenses in the MLB – the Rockies. Luis Castillo, on the other hand, wasn’t very good in June, posting a 3.97 ERA, but he opened July on a high note, surrendering three runs in two starts against Pittsburgh and Detroit and recording two wins. I am going with Seattle in this one.