Rangers vs. Mariners: Game 1 predictions, odds and picks — Sept 12, MLB 2024

On Thursday, the Rangers and Mariners will settle in for the first game of the final series of the season between the two AL West clubs. The two have met six times already this year, and the Rangers have emerged victorious in all but one of those affairs.

While the Mariners remain playoff hopefuls, the Rangers are beginning to see the light fade from their postseason aspirations. Thursday's game will kick off at 6:40 pm PDT from T-Mobile Park in Seattle, Washington.

Rangers vs Mariners recent form and records

Fresh off of a two-game series split against the San Diego Padres, the Seattle Mariners are now 74-72. Despite having held a ten-game lead in the division as recently as June, Seattle now stands 3.5 games back of the Astros, 4 games out of a Wild Card berth, and are 5-5 in their last ten games.

The Texas Rangers are 70-76, 7.5 games behind the Houston Astros and 8 games out of the Wild Card spot. Though 6-4 in their last ten games, Texas was outscored 20-4 over two games in a sweep at the hands of the Arizona Diamondbacks during the week.

Players to watch

Starting Pitchers

TEX: Kumar Rocker (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs SEA: Bryce Miller (11-8, 3.18 ERA)

Rocker will be making his MLB debut on Thursday

Miller has a 0.992 WHIP, 2.1 BB/9 and 151 K in 161.1 IP.

Last Start: Win, 6 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 K vs STL

Career vs TEX: 0-3 12.66 ERA (10.2 IP, 15 ER) 5 HR in 3 Games

"Bryce Miller, blowing by Paul Goldschmidt for a pair of Ks..." - Daniel Kramer

Must Watch Hitters

Texas

After a bumpy start to the season, reigning World Series MVP Corey Seager seems to have hit his stride. A .306 hitter since August 15, Seager owns a team-best OPS of 1.136 over his past five games.

Since having a terrific series in Arlington against the New York Yankees last week, outfielder Wyatt Langford has kept it up. A .288 hitter in his last thirteen games, Langford has hit 3 home runs and 13 RBIs during that period of time.

"WYATT WALK-OFF GRAND SLAM!" - Texas Rangers

Texas third baseman Josh Jung has hit .327 with 2 home runs and 5 RBIs in the past two weeks. Moreover, Jung has recorded four walks and three steals over that span.

Seattle

Coming into Thursday's affair, Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh boasts 2 home runs and 8 RBIs over his past six games. A 30-home run hitter for the second consecutive season, watch out for the big man helping his team's fortunes against Texas.

Since coming back from his injury in mid August, former Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez is looking a lot more like his old self. A .309 hitter over the past two weeks, J-Rod has also connected for 3 home runs and 9 RBIs over the course of his last 13 games.

Although he owns a regrettable .192 career average against the Rangers, Luke Raley has been swinging a hot bat for Seattle. Having recorded three RBIs in two games in his club's recent series against the St. Louis Cardinals, Raley has hit .294 with 3 home runs and 10 RBIs in his last ten games.

"Luke Raley has by far been my favorite Mariners position player to watch in 2024" - Steve

Rangers vs Mariners baseball betting odds

Thursday 12/11	Money Line	Run Spread	Total Runs
Texas Rangers	+ 115	+1.5 -210	O 7-105
Seattle Mariners	- 135	- 1.5 +170	U 7 -115

Rangers vs Mariners expert picks and game prediction

The Seattle Mariners continue to be a pitching powerhouse. Equipped with a combined 3.52 ERA on the season, Seattle ranks first in the AL and second only to the Atlanta Braves for the lowest ERA in MLB. By contrast, over the last two weeks, the Rangers' 6.28 combined earned runs figure ranks dead last in MLB.

When it comes to hitting, the Mariners retain the edge. Over the last two weeks, Seattle has hit .257 as a team, compared to Texas' .240. Moreover, the Mariners have scored thirteen more runs than Texas since August 26.

Run Line: -1.5 +170

Total Runs: U 7 -115

Prediction: Seattle W, 3-0