Seattle Mariners at Minnesota Twins
Thursday, April 8 at 4:10 p.m. EST on MLBN
Target Field- Minneapolis, MN
MLB Betting Vitals
Run Line: Mariners +1½ (-105), Twins -1½ (-115)
Money Line: Mariners +170, Twins -200
Run Totals: 8
Gonzales vs Berrios in Projected Pitcher’s Duel April 8
The Seattle Mariners’ (2-3) supposed ace, Marco Gonzales, was smacked around by the San Francisco Giants on Opening Day. Gonzales gave up five runs on eight hits over six innings, while walking three Giants batters. In 2020, Gonzales only gave up a total of seven walks all season, so control was clearly an issue.
Gonzalez served up three homers and only struck out two batters, after compiling an All-Star caliber season last year. In last year’s covid-riddled campaign, Gonzales compiled a 7-2 record, with a 3.10 ERA and 64 strikeouts. Fortunately for Gonzo, Seattle managed an epic 8-7 comeback win on a bases-loaded wild pitch in the 10th inning.
The Minnesota Twins (3-2) witnessed greatness in Jose Berrios’ first start of 2021, as he threw a no-hitter through six innings. Berrios struck out 12, and only lost a perfect game bid when he hit a batter in the fifth inning. Twins’ manager Rocco Baldelli pulled Berrios before the start of the seventh because Brewers’ SP Corbin Burnes had a no-no going as well.
Burnes wound up losing his no-hitter, and the game, in the top of the seventh on Byron Buxton’s dramatic dinger. The Twins tacked on another run against RP Brent Suter and went on to beat Milwaukee 2-0. Minnesota pitchers combined to strike out 17 Milwaukee batters, only allowing one hit all game.
Mariners at Twins: Betting Forecast
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty on the most promising MLB betting angles for this matchup. Although Gonzales was unimpressive in his previous start, we can expect him to calm down a bit here against the Minnesota Twins. Berrios might be in for another tense pitcher’s duel if Gonzales locks in and finds his groove. The under is looking like a great betting option.
The Twins owned the best home record in baseball last season, posting a sparkling 24-7 mark in Target Field. Minnesota will be rocking in its home opener, and Seattle is 13-40 over its previous 53 road games vs a team with a winning record. Gonzalez surrendered six runs over five innings in his last start vs the Twins in 2019, which is notable.
Overall, Minnesota is a legitimate World Series contender this year, ranking in the top-10 for runs scored and runs allowed. Seattle’s statistical standing is more towards the bottom of MLB in many categories and is the weaker team in this matchup. Look for Berrios to toss another gem for the Twins, in a low-scoring yet convincing Minnesota victory. Final score prediction: Twins 5, Mariners 2
