Hisashi Iwakuma (3-2, 4.41 ERA) and the Seattle Mariners (53-61) go up against Kevin Gausman (2-3, 4.56 ERA) and the Baltimore Orioles (57-55) in the last of a three-game series at Safeco Field. The Mariners won the last game 6-5 and the series is currently tied 1-1. The game gets underway at 3:40 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Aug. 12 and will air on RTNW and MASN.
In his last start, Iwakuma pitched 7.0 innings, allowing three runs and striking out six in a 4-3 victory over the Rangers. Seth Smith (.256, 39 Rs, 9 HRs, 29 RBIs) played well again yesterday, going 2 for 4 with one run. The Orioles were unsuccessful the last time Gausman pitched. He did not do well, pitching 5.2 innings, allowing six runs, striking out four and walking two in an 8-4 loss to the Angels. Chris Davis (.254, 64 Rs, 31 HRs, 83 RBIs, 1 SB) has been hitting the ball well for the Orioles, going 2 for 4 yesterday with two runs, one home run, and one RBI.
Seattle is a -129 favorite in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is seven runs. The Mariners are 29-37 as the favorite and have an overall money line of -1,614. Seattle has averaged 4.8 runs per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 3.7. Transitioning to the pitching staff, they have been extremely effective at striking opposing batters out, averaging 7.9 strikeouts per game.
On the other side, the Orioles have a record of 22-28 when they are the underdog and are +nine overall with the money line. The Orioles are a problem for opposing batters, sporting a 3.93 ERA on the road this season. They also average just 8.1 hits allowed per road game, third-best in the AL.
The Orioles are 3-2 against the Mariners this season. This game will feature Gausman (RHP) on the mound against the Mariners, who have a 39-44 record when they take on a right-handed starter. The right-handed Iwakuma will take the mound against the Orioles, who have a 41-43 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – Sea, O/U – Over
Notes
Seattle won its last game in a shutout, its eighth of the season. Baltimore has been shut out seven times this season.
Having scored zero runs in their last game, the Mariners are going to have to up their game if they want to win this matchup. The Orioles have a 9-0 record in games where opponents scored that many runs.
When they are outhit, the Orioles are 8-38. The Mariners have a 15-38 record when opponents outhit them.
Seattle ranks in the top 10 of the league at sixth when it comes to home runs, hitting 129 this season. Baltimore ranks in the top five at fourth with 143.
Ranking 13th, Seattle is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.20 per game. Baltimore ranks in the top 10 at ninth with 8.56.
Ranking 18th, Seattle is in the bottom half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.700). Baltimore ranks in the top 10 at ninth with an OPS of .734.
When the Orioles allow at least one home run, they are 30-38. When the Mariners allow one or more homers, they have a 24-51 record.
