Seattle Mariners (68-66) vs. Los Angeles Angels (54-79)
On Friday, August 30, the Seattle Mariners will face the Los Angeles Angels in a crucial AL West matchup at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. The game is set to start at 9:38 PM ET.
This contest marks the beginning of a three-game series, with the Mariners favored at -164 on the moneyline and the total set at 8.5 runs.
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Mariners Pursuing Series Victory
The Seattle Mariners have recorded a 4-2 record since appointing Dan Wilson as their new manager. They recently clinched two three-game series at home against the San Francisco Giants and the Tampa Bay Rays. As of Thursday morning, Seattle stands at 68-66, trailing the Houston Astros by 3.5 games in the AL West.
Despite the managerial change, the Mariners’ batting lineup has struggled significantly this season, with a batting average of .220 and an on-base percentage of .336 over their last six games. Randy Arozarena has been a bright spot, hitting 7-for-23 with two home runs, while Julio Rodriguez has faced difficulties, managing only three hits in his last six games.
Taking the mound for the Mariners will be George Kirby. The 26-year-old right-hander has a record of 9-10, a 3.48 ERA, and a 1.11 WHIP over 27 starts this season. However, his performance this month has been concerning, as he has posted a 1-3 record with a 6.52 ERA in four outings.
Kirby faced the Angels earlier this season on July 13, allowing two runs in a loss. In his career against Los Angeles, he has a 3.07 ERA in seven starts, indicating he might have a chance to bounce back.
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Angels Face Mounting Challenges
The Los Angeles Angels have not fared well lately, as their Thursday game against the Detroit Tigers was not included in this analysis. With a record of 54-79, the Angels were looking to end a seven-game losing streak as they faced the Tigers for a three-game series.
The Angels’ offense has been struggling, winning only two of their last 15 games. In their past seven games, they managed to score a mere 14 runs, with a dismal batting average of .159 and only four home runs in 214 at-bats.
Carson Fulmer is expected to start for the Angels. The 30-year-old right-hander holds a 0-5 record with a 4.15 ERA across eight starts and 24 relief appearances this season. He has struggled this month as well, with an 0-3 record and a 5.09 ERA in five starts.
Fulmer has faced the Mariners twice in 2024, with a notable performance on July 14, where he pitched 4.2 scoreless innings. However, he allowed two earned runs in a prior relief appearance in June.
Smart Betting Choices for Mariners vs. Angels
The Angels have won their last six encounters against the Mariners, but a change is inevitable. The Mariners are poised to break this trend on Friday night. They had a day off on Thursday, while the Angels returned from a tough series in Detroit.
While it’s tough to rely on the Mariners’ offense, the Angels’ recent hitting struggles have been even more pronounced. The current Angels lineup has recorded just 12 hits in 53 at-bats against George Kirby, who boasts a solid 2.55 ERA in four career starts at Angel Stadium. Although the moneyline odds may not be enticing, the Mariners may still have the edge in this matchup given the Angels’ current form.
