The Seattle Mariners (26-25) host the Pittsburgh Pirates (26-24) at T-Mobile Park on Saturday. The Pirates took Friday’s series opener 11-6. Starter Mitch Keller got the win, giving up six runs on seven hits over six innings and striking out eight.
Bryan Reynolds was 3 for 4 with a home run and a triple in the win. He scored two runs and drove in four. Jack Suwinski went 3 for 5 with two home runs and three RBIs.
Cal Raleigh went 2 for 3 with two doubles and one run for the Mariners. Julio Rodriguez added a home run and three RBIs.
ON THE MOUND
Roansy Contreras (3-4, 4.50 ERA) is in line to start for Pittsburgh. The RHP allowed three runs over five innings in his last start, an 8-3 home defeat against the Diamondbacks on Sunday.
He yielded three hits while striking out three and walking three in the no-decision. For Seattle, righty Luis Castillo (3-2, 2.97 ERA) gets the start.
It’s his first appearance of the season against the Pirates. Castillo made one start against the Pirates in 2022, throwing five innings for the Reds in a 3-1 road defeat on May 14.
He gave up four hits and walked one, while striking out two in the loss. In his last start on Monday, Castillo got the win at home against the Athletics. He threw six scoreless innings and gave up four hits, striking out eight and walking two in the 11-2 triumph.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Pittsburgh has averaged 4.6 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 4.5. Against right-handed pitchers like Castillo this season, the Bucs have a .717 OPS. Andrew McCutchen has the team’s best on-base percentage against right-handers at .381 over 103 at-bats.
Seattle is averaging 5.8 runs per game in the last five, up from 4.5 for the season, with a better slash line (.253/.328/.463). The M’s have a .700 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .849 OPS over 106 at-bats, J.P. Crawford has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Pittsburgh is 14-11 in road games in 2023, scoring 5.0 runs per game while allowing 3.4 runs. Seattle has gone 14-13 at home this season, averaging 4.4 runs per game while surrendering 3.8. In eight games between the teams at T-Mobile Park, Pittsburgh is 5-3 with an average scoreline of 4.9-3.9.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Pirates are second in the NL Central, zero games behind the division-leading Brewers. The Mariners are fourth in the AL West, six games behind the Rangers.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Seattle Mariners (-225)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
