Nationals vs Mariners predictions
When the Washington Nationals take the field at T-Mobile Park for the rubber match, all eyes are on their young core to make an impact. James Wood continues to be a steady presence in the lineup; I’m expecting him to put together a solid night with at least a hit and a walk, and he’s always a threat to leave the yard—don’t be shocked if he drives in another run or two. CJ Abrams, with his combination of speed and contact, looks primed to swipe a bag if he finds his way on base, and a multi-hit game seems well within reach for him. On the mound, MacKenzie Gore has shown strikeout stuff this season and should notch a handful of Ks again, giving the Nationals a real chance if he can limit the Mariners’ big fly potential.
Shifting over to the Mariners side, the offense runs through Cal Raleigh, who is consistently finding ways to get on base and bring the power. I like him for another strong performance—think a couple of hits, maybe even another homer to add to his team-leading total. Julio Rodriguez hasn’t quite broken out the way many expected, but there’s always that sense he’s on the verge; tonight, it could be a difference-making multi-hit effort with an RBI to his name. On the pitching front, Emerson Hancock may not be the flashiest starter, but give him five or six solid innings, a handful of strikeouts, and just a couple of earned runs, and the Mariners’ bullpen should have a lead to work with heading into the later innings.
With both clubs sporting similar mid-tier hitting numbers, this one probably comes down to who takes advantage of those handful of big opportunities. Seattle’s slightly stronger ability to draw walks and bring runners around, boosted by their home field edge, has me leaning in their direction. If the Mariners can play clean defense and get even average outings from their lineup anchors, look for them to take the series and give the hometown fans something to cheer about.
