Seattle Mariners at Boston Red Sox Pick 6/23/18

Seattle Mariners vs. Boston Red Sox Pick (6/23/18)
Time: 7:15 PM ET
Venue: Fenway Park
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
TV: FOX
Moneyline: Seattle (+155) / Boston (-175)
Total: Over/Under: 9

by Bryan, Professional Baseball Handicapper, Predictem.com

Seattle takes on the Red Sox Saturday night at Fenway Park in Game 2 of a three-game set. Last night’s game figured to be a pitching duel between Wade Leblanc (3-0, 3.26 ERA & 1.21 WHIP) and Steven Wright (2-1, 3.38 ERA & 1.25 WHIP). To the contrary, it was an offensive showcase which featured 34 hits and 24 runs. In a game that had four lead changes, Boston ultimately came out victorious (14-10). Consequently, Boston holds a 3-2 in the season series with the Mariners heading into Saturday night’s contest. The Red Sox have won back-to-back games, while Seattle is mired in a five-game losing streak.

M’s taking L’s

At 46-30 (.605), the Seattle Mariners are in second place in the AL West Standings only 3.5 games behind the reigning World Series Champion Houston Astros. After second baseman Robinson Cano got kicked to the curb for using illegal substances, many figured the M’s were doomed this season. However, that’s been the furthest thing from the case as they’ve been better without Cano in the lineup. Although, currently they’re amidst a five-game slide where they’ve been outscored 41-23. All five losses have come against top-tier AL East opponents: two to Boston and three at the Yankees. So, it’s safe to say this minor blip isn’t a sign for major concern in what is a long and grueling MLB schedule. On the road, the Mariners have compiled a 21-16 (.568) record this season. In last night’s game, designated-hitter Nelson Cruz (.266 AVG., 20 HR & 48 RBI) went four for five with two home runs and seven RBI. Thru 3.5 innings, the M’s held a 10-5 advantage, but their pitching staff allowed nine unanswered runs to the Red Sox to suffer another crushing defeat.

Starting on the mound for Seattle Saturday night will be veteran right-hander Mike Leake (7-4, 4.47 ERA & 1.28 WHIP). The ground-ball pitcher intends to exact revenge against Boston, to whom he lost to on June 17th in Seattle: 9-3. Leake threw 99 pitches over six frames, allowing eight hits, five earned runs and a homer. It’ll be a tall order to get the �W� in Beantown because Leake’s never won against Boston in his MLB career. He’s 0-2 with a 6.35 ERA and 1.54 WHIP against the big-bats of the Red Sox.

Red Sox an offensive juggernaut

With 397 runs scored, Boston has the top offense in the League. This offense has led them to a plus-112 run differential, which is second-best in the league. At 51-26 (.662), the Red Sox currently have the most wins in the Majors. However, they’re still one-game behind their archrival New York Yankees in the AL East Standings. Inside the confines of Fenway Park, the Red Sox have posted a 24-11 (.686) record thus far. Six players on Boston’s roster have double-digit home runs: J.D. Martinez (23), Mookie Betts (19), Andrew Benintendi (13), Rafael Devers (12), Xander Bogaerts (12) and Mitch Moreland (10). Boston sends Eduardo Rodriguez to the mound Saturday night in a grudge match against Mike Leake, whom Rodriguez bested in their last matchup in Seattle on June 17th.

Rodriguez threw 113 pitches over six innings, allowing six hits and two earned runs while striking out nine at Safeco Field in a 9-3 victory six days ago. With the win, the young lefty improved to 9-1 on the year with a 3.59 ERA and 1.24 WHIP. Rodriguez has won six consecutive starts, boasting a 2.45 ERA and 1.36 WHIP. In his three-year career, Rodriguez has had success against the Mariners. He’s 2-1 with a 2.72 ERA and 1.21 WHIP versus Seattle.

My Prediction to Win

The oddsmakers have Boston (-175) as the favorite at home, justifiably so. This same pitching matchup six days ago in Seattle resulted in a 9-3 victory for the Red Sox. Mike Leake has poor numbers against the Red Sox for his career and has never beaten them. On the flip side, Rodriguez has had success against Seattle and is red-hot right now. He’s won six straight starts, not allowing more than two runs in any of the contests. Boston’s prolific offense roughed up Leake the last go around, so anticipate history repeating itself at Fenway Park. I’m a proponent for taking the Red Sox on the money line in this one. The odds say they have a 63.6% chance to win, but it’s more along the lines of 75% in my humble opinion. I’ll take an 11.4% edge with an on-fire pitcher and offense versus a slumping M’s club with Leake on the hill. Find the best betting odds for this matchup at 5Dimes!