Free MLB Picks Today: Philadelphia Phillies vs Seattle Mariners 4/27/23

Brandon Marsh will be looking to extend his 21-game on-base streak as the Philadelphia Phillies (12-13) host the Seattle Mariners (11-13) at Citizens Bank Park on Thursday with the three-game Interleague series all square at 1-1. The Phillies evened up the series 1-1 after winning 6-5 on Wednesday.

Craig Kimbrel threw one scoreless inning out of the bullpen to get the win, and Jose Alvarado earned his fourth save with a scoreless ninth. Nick Castellanos went 3 for 4 with a home run, two runs, and three RBIs in the win. J.P. Crawford was 3 for 4 with a home run and a double for the Mariners. He had four RBIs. Kolten Wong added a double and one run.

ON THE MOUND

George Kirby (2-1, 3.57 ERA) is set for the start for Seattle. The RHP allowed two runs over six innings in his last start, a 5-2 home win over the Cardinals on Friday. He got the win, yielding three hits while striking out five.For Philadelphia, lefty Matt Strahm (1-2, 3.00 ERA) is on the mound.

It’s his first appearance of the season against the Mariners. Strahm made four appearances against the Mariners in 2022, all in relief, striking out two and walking one over 3.0 innings (0-0, 3.00).In his last start on April 20, Strahm took the loss at home against the Rockies. He threw 5.1 innings and gave up three runs on three hits, striking out 11 and walking two in the 5-0 defeat.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Seattle has averaged 4.6 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 4.5. Against lefties like Strahm this season, the M’s have a .651 OPS. Jarred Kelenic is the team’s best performer against left-handers with a 1.292 OPS in 19 at-bats.

Philadelphia is averaging 5.2 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 4.5 for the season. The Phils have ann .801 OPS against right-handers in 2023, fourth highest in the league. With a 1.182 OPS over 48 at-bats, Marsh has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Seattle is 4-4 away from T-Mobile Park in 2023, scoring 5.0 runs per game while allowing 5.0 runs. Philadelphia has gone 7-5 at their home ballpark this season, averaging 4.9 runs per game while surrendering 4.0. Seattle is 4-3 in seven games between the teams at Citizens Bank Park with an average scoreline of 5.7-4.9.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Mariners are fourth in the AL West, three games behind the division-leading Rangers. The Phillies are third in the NL East, five games behind the Braves.