In the first of a three-game series between the Seattle Mariners (74-82) and the Houston Astros (82-74) at Safeco Field, Roenis Elias (5-8, 3.94 ERA) and Lance McCullers (5-7, 3.22 ERA) take the mound. The Mariners go into this series on a five-game losing streak. The game starts at 10:10 p.m. ET on Monday, Sep. 28 and will air on RTNW, RTSW and MLBN.
In his most recent outing, Elias pitched 5.1 innings, giving up one run, striking out six and walking four in a 4-3 loss to the Royals. The Astros were unsuccessful to the Angels 4-3 the last time McCullers pitched. He went 7.0 innings, allowing three runs and striking out nine. Evan Gattis (.245, 64 Rs, 26 HRs, 86 RBIs) has been doing well, going 2 for 4 yesterday.
Seattle, a +120 underdog, will look to capitalize at home against Houston. Oddsmakers have set the Over/Under (O/U) at seven runs. The Mariners are 32-36 as the underdog and have an overall money line of -1,630. They have an SU record of 37-32 against teams in their division and a 17-15 record when they were the underdog in those games. The Mariners are a power hitting team with 191 home runs, one of the highest totals in the MLB. Turning to the pitching staff, they have been extremely effective at striking opposing batters out, averaging 7.9 strikeouts per game.
Switching to the opposing bench, the Astros come into this game with a win percentage of .547 when playing as the favorite (52-43) and an overall money line of -410. Against divisional opponents, they are 36-37 SU and 20-26 as the favorite. The Astros are known for their bats, hitting 501 extra base hits. The Astros have racked up 114 steals on the year, making them one of the most threatening base-running teams in the league. Switching gears to Houston’s pitching staff, they have the lowest ERA in the AL at 3.53. They have a WHIP of 1.20 on the year, good for fourth in the league.
The Astros have gotten the better of the Mariners in head-to-head matchups this season, going 10-6. This game will feature McCullers (RHP) on the mound against the Mariners, who have a 52-52 record when they take on a right-handed starter. Taking the hill against the Astros will be the left-hander Elias. They sport a 29-28 record against southpaws.
Predictions: SU Winner – Hou, O/U – Over
Notes
Seattle has won 39% (24-38) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Houston has won 58% (37-27) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Astros are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Mariners have a 25-44 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Astros are 14-52. The Mariners have an 18-54 record when opponents outhit them.
Seattle and Houston both rank in the top five of the league in home runs. Seattle sits at fifth with 191 home runs this season and Houston ranks second with 217.
Ranking 14th, Houston is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.29 per game. Seattle ranks in the top 10 at 10th with 8.54.
Ranking 14th, Seattle is in the top half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.726). Houston ranks in the top 10 at sixth with an OPS of .745.
When the Astros allow at least one home run, they are 31-52, well-matched with the Mariners who are 36-65 when allowing at least one homer.
