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The Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners wrap up their final series of the MLB regular season today (Sept. 25). After yesterday's close win, the Astros are once again AL West champions and have punched their ticket to the playoffs. The Mariners suffered a tough blow to their playoff hopes.
The stakes are still high for the third and final game. The Mariners' hopes aren't completely crushed, and the Astros will want to play spoiler for the Mariners.
Mariners vs. Astros recent form and records
The Houston Astros are 6-4 in their last 10, but they won their last game. That win against the Mariners locked up a division title and ensured they go back to the playoffs after their horrid start earlier this season.
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The Seattle Mariners are also 6-4 in their last 10 games. Now with a five-game deficit, they're out of the running for the division. They are just 2.5 games back of the final wild card in the AL, though.
Players to watch
Starting pitchers
George Kirby (13-11, 3.60 ERA, 173 SO) vs. Yusei Kikuchi (9-9, 4.19 ERA, 198 SO).
Kirby has a 1.08 WHIP and 173 strikeouts in 185 innings pitched.
Last Start: Six innings, five hits, two earned runs, no walks and four strikeouts.
Career vs. Astros: 1-0 with a 1.56 ERA and 31 strikeouts in six appearances.
Kikuchi has a 1.21 WHIP and 198 strikeouts in 169.2 innings pitched.
Last Start: Six innings, five hits, one earned run, one walk, nine strikeouts.
Career vs. Mariners: 1-0 with a 0.52 ERA and 23 strikeouts in three appearances.
Must-watch hitters
Astros
Yainer Diaz has recorded 11 hits in 29 at-bats during his last seven games. During that time, he has three doubles, three RBI and six runs scored.
Kyle Tucker is nine for his last 22. In those six games, he has hit three home runs, one double, four RBI, six runs scored and five walks.
Mariners
In September, Julio Rodriguez has 35 hits in 22 games. He has recorded six home runs, 19 RBI, 20 runs, five doubles and five walks this month, too.
Justin Turner is 21 for his last 70 with 13 runs, five doubles, two home runs, six RBI and an impressive 14 walks.
Mariners vs. Astros Baseball Betting Odds
Mariners vs. Astros expert picks and game prediction
The Mariners have two things tonight: desperation and a better pitcher on the mound. A loss, depending on the outcome of some other games, would effectively sink their dwindling playoff chances. The Astros have the home-field advantage, though.
Look for the Mariners to stave off elimination in a tight one since the pitching advantage swings heavily in their direction, but they're far from assured of victory against a good opponent.
Run Line: -1.5
Total Runs: Under 7
Prediction: Mariners 3, Astros 2
