Pirates vs Mariners predictions
Looking at the Pirates heading into this matchup, it’s hard not to focus on the impact guys like Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds can have—even if Pittsburgh hasn’t been able to put much together on the road so far. Cruz, who leads the team in home runs, always seems like a threat for a big hit, and I could see him adding to his tally—maybe sneaking one over the fence if he gets a good pitch. Bryan Reynolds is another guy to watch; with his knack for driving in runs, it wouldn’t be a shock to see him pick up an RBI or two. And how about Andrew McCutchen? Even later in his career, he’s still clutch and I’d expect him to set the table at the top of the lineup, likely grabbing a single and working some walks. If the Pirates find any spark, it’ll probably come from this trio.
On the other side, the Seattle Mariners look primed to take advantage of their home field and keep their hold on this series. J.P. Crawford is having an impressive stretch—he could easily notch a couple of hits and maybe score a run. Cal Raleigh, who’s been raking this year, feels like a good bet to go deep or at the very least pick up a key RBI. I’m also interested to see Julio Rodriguez—his speed and ability to find gaps in the defense make him a constant headache for opponents, so don’t be surprised if he grabs an extra-base hit and even swipes a bag. Then there’s Luis Castillo on the hill; he’s the type of starter who can silence even the best bats, and I’m thinking he’ll deliver a solid outing, racking up some strikeouts and making life tough for those Pirates hitters.
When you line it all up, the Mariners look like they’ve got the upper hand going into this clash. Seattle’s lineup just has more firepower throughout, and with Castillo taking care of business on the mound, it’s tough to see the struggling Pirates snapping their road skid here. If you’re backing a team with momentum, the Mariners at T-Mobile Park seem like a safe play, especially given how much trouble Pittsburgh’s had away from home. So, all things considered, Seattle should come out on top in this matchup. How do you see it playing out?
