Free MLB Picks Today: Seattle Mariners vs Washington Nationals 6/28/23

The Seattle Mariners (38-40) host the Washington Nationals (31-48) at T-Mobile Park on Wednesday with the three-game Interleague series in the balance.

The Nationals evened up the series 1-1 after winning 7-4 in 11 innings on Tuesday. Reliever Jordan Weems threw two scoreless innings to get the win.

Keibert Ruiz was 2 for 5 with a solo home run in the win. Teoscar Hernandez went 1 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs for the Mariners.

ON THE MOUND

Patrick Corbin (4-9, 5.32 ERA) is in line to take the mound for Washington. The southpaw allowed seven runs over five innings in his last start, a 13-3 road defeat against the Padres on Friday. He was charged with the loss, yielding seven hits while striking out three and walking three.

For Seattle, right-hander Logan Gilbert (5-4, 4.07 ERA) gets the start. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Nationals. In his last start on Friday, Gilbert got the win on the road against the Orioles. He threw seven innings and gave up one run on two hits, striking out five and walking one in the 13-1 victory.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Washington has averaged 4.8 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 4.2. Against right-handed pitchers like Gilbert this season, the Nats have a .688 OPS. Jeimer Candelario is the team’s best performer against right-handers with a .882 OPS in 198 at-bats.

Seattle is averaging 6.2 runs per game in the last five, up from 4.5 for the season, with a higher slash line (.263/.333/.458). The M’s have a .701 OPS against left-handers in 2023. With a .938 OPS over 73 at-bats, Ty France has been their best hitter against left-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Washington is 18-21 away from Nationals Park in 2023, scoring 4.7 runs per game while allowing 4.6 runs. Seattle has gone 22-18 in front of their home fans this season, averaging 4.5 runs per game while surrendering 3.8. Washington is 7-3 in the last 10 games between the teams at T-Mobile Park with an average scoreline of 4.8-3.6.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Nationals are fifth in the NL East, 21 games behind the division-leading Braves. The Mariners are fourth in the AL West, nine games behind the Rangers.