The Houston Astros (6-6) have lost five straight. The Astros’ generally reliable offense has gone cold, scoring a paltry eight runs over the embarrassing three-game series against the Tigers. Houston’s pitching hasn’t been any better, and this team is in a serious funk. Get the latest MLB news in our online sportsbook.
Seattle, on the other hand, has won five of six and stands alone atop the AL West. The Mariners took three of four from the Baltimore Orioles over the course of two doubleheaders this week, including Thursday’s action. Seattle’s Mitch Haniger hammered two homers against Baltimore, going 3-for-8 with three RBIs.
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Haniger has been an amazing feel-good story for the Mariners, and leads the team in average (.321), hits (17), doubles (4), homers (4), runs (10), and RBIs (10). The former All-Star missed all of the 2020 season following back surgery and is making up for the lost time. Our sportsbook has an intriguing MLB prop bet that pays +375 if Haniger hits at least one dinger vs Houston. Haniger’s in a power groove, and $20 wins you $75.
Houston Has a (COVID-19) Problem
Astros’ starting pitcher Jose Urquidy is 0-1 with a flabby 5.23 ERA, and Houston’s offense has been lacking. Now five Astros players have been placed on the COVID-19 list, including Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman. Houston is not a team which is going to inspire much fear in this situation, despite its stellar 5-1 road record thus far.
Seattle’s Yusei Kikuchi brings a respectable 3.75 ERA into this matchup, and he should be able to notch his first win of 2021. The Houston lineup Kikuchi will be facing is not especially dangerous, and the Astros were crashing before the COVID-19 news. The Mariners are still somehow slight underdogs here, so bet Seattle’s moneyline (-105) with confidence. If you want some insurance, bet the M’s run line +1½ (-160).
MLB Free Pick $$$: Seattle Mariners -105
MLB Free Pick ATS: Seattle Mariners +1½ (-160)
