The Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers play their final game before the All-Star break today.
The Mariners are playing for the rare four-game sweep of their division rival. They have outplayed the Rangers in this series, outscoring them 17-10. Texas was hoping to make a move in the Wild Card race in this series, but instead, they are now 6 1/2 games out, and the Mariners have passed Toronto for the second Wild Card slot.
""here's my promise..."" - Mariners
Pitching today are Chris Flexen for Seattle and Glenn Otto for the Rangers.
After a rough May, Flexen was great in June and even better in July. Flexen averaged 2.5 runs a start in June and is averaging half a run a start in July. He has been a huge part of the recent success in Seattle.
Otto is not the guy a team wants to take the mound when facing a sweep. He's had a few strong starts this season, but Otto is liable to give up eight runs in a start.
Seattle Mariners vs. Texas Rangers Match Details
Fixture: Seattle Mariners vs. Texas Rangers
Date & Time: Sunday, July 17, 1:40 p.m. EDT
Venue: Globe Life Field, Arlington, TX
"Behind home plate or down the line?" - globelifefield
Seattle Mariners vs. Texas Rangers Betting Odds
Seattle Mariners vs. Texas Rangers Best Picks
The first-half run line is a great bet when two starts of unequal skill are going at it. Anything can happen once the bullpen is in the game, but if a bettor knows one starter is far superior to the other, the first-half run line is a great bet.
Seattle 1H (-120)
Julio Rodriguez didn't get a hit last night after having an incredible five RBIs the day before. Of course, hitters can't be expected to perform every day, but Rodriguez seems to enjoy hitting at Globe Life Field. He should have a decent game today.
Julio Rodriguez to Record an RBI (+150)
Seattle Mariners vs. Texas Rangers Prediction
The Mariners are on a roll, and after winning 13 games in a row, they don't want to go into the break with an L. They have one of the hottest pitchers in the game on the mound, and their bats have been lively in this series. Seattle is an easy bet in this one.
Seattle (-130)