The Seattle Mariners (65-54) travel to Oakland for a three-game weekend series against the Athletics (43-76).
Mariners and Athletics Record
The Mariners are fresh off of a sweep of the Angels. Seattle leads the American League Wild Card and are playing quality baseball at the moment.
Barring unforeseen circumstances, Seattle will snap their MLB-leading 20-plus year playoff drought this season.
But for now, they will focus on taking care of business against the A’s. Oakland is headed in the opposite direction.
American League’s Worst Record
The Athletics own the American League’s worst record. They have endured a very forgettable 2022 campaign.
The first pitch is scheduled for Friday, August 19th, at the Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, CA. Let’s take a look at Mariners vs. Athletics odds.
Seattle Mariners vs. Oakland Athletics Odds
The Mariners enter this ball game as the clear favorites. Seattle is playing well and expects to win this game.
A’s Expectations for an Upset
With that being said, The A’s are the home team and could pull off an upset. Sure, it isn’t likely, given their all-around poor play in 2022. But home underdogs tend to pay off in a lot of scenarios.
Nevertheless, the majority of betting picks tend to go towards MLB teams that are playoff bound… which is obviously understandable.
But can the Athletics shock the Mariners and earn a home victory against them? Or is Seattle destined to cover the run line?
Seattle Mariners vs. Oakland Athletics Betting Preview
Marco Gonzales Analysis
The soft-tossing left-handed pitcher Marco Gonzalez (7-12, 4.18) will start for the Mariners on Friday night. Gonzalez certainly is not the most intimidating arm to go up against. However, he’s a very crafty pitcher who finds ways to get outs.
His ability to frustrate batters by keeping them off-balance is his key to success. And he’s been decent in 2022.
Sure, an ERA over four is not anything to write home about. But he’s been a steady contributor in this Mariners rotation. Gonzalez will aim to lead Seattle to a victory on Friday to open this series.
Cole Irvin Analysis
Another left-hander in the form of Cole Irvin (6-10, 3.13) will get the start on Friday for Oakland. Irvin has found success in 2022. In fact, he’s been one of the few bright spots on this ball club.
Irvin has been able to produce a lot of weak contacts this season which has led to his strong overall numbers. He is not a guy who is going to blow you away by any means. But Irvin has the ability to keep the A’s in games.
If the Athletics are going to upset the odds on Friday, it will be because Cole Irvin pitched a gem for the team.
Seattle Mariners vs. Oakland Athletics Picks and Predictions
So who wins this game? Can the Athletics upset the MLB odds, or will the Mariners cover the run line?
This could end up being an unprecedented pitcher’s duel. Neither Gonzalez nor Irvin are big-name pitchers. But they are both capable of limiting opposing offenses.
Irvin Producing an Upset
Again, the way Oakland upset the odds on Friday will be because of Irvin. If Irvin struggles, Seattle will cruise to a victory.
From a betting standpoint, Oakland hasn’t been all that bad. They hold a 58-61 against the run line record in 2022. Meanwhile, the Mariners are 61-58 against the run line this season.
Second Worst Against the Run Line Record
However, Oakland owns the second worst against the run line record at their home field with a mark of 19-36. Seattle is a far more respectable 37-25 against the run line when playing on the road.
And finally, the Mariners are just 19-31 against the run line when playing as a favorite. Oakland is 55-51 against the run line as the underdog.
Who to Bet On?
So the Athletics have against the run line at home, but Seattle has failed to cover as the favorite. So what does this tell us about Friday?
I expect the Mariners to pull out the victory in this game. But the Athletics should be able to keep it close and cover the run line. Take the Mariners on the moneyline. Take the Athletics on the run line (to cover).
MLB Pick: Mariners -1.5 (+130)
If you love sports and want more sports betting information follow us as @InsidersBetDig on Twitter and sign up to our mailing list for free betting picks.