The Seattle Mariners are at the bottom of the American League West with no shot at the playoffs.
The New York Yankees enter this series needing to take three wins to recover their lead in the American League East from the streaking Tampa Bay Rays.
This series could have huge implications in the AL East playoff race and sits as a great opportunity for baseball betting!
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Seattle Mariners @ New York Yankees
August 20-22 on FSN, MLB.TV
MLB Betting Series Odds are available in the BetUS sportsbook.
Game 1 – Friday at 7:05 p.m. ET – Felix Hernandez (8-10) vs AJ Burnett (9-10)
Hernandez takes the mound, looking for a solid outing, as he faltered after six innings in his last start against the Cleveland Indians by allowing six unearned runs. He has not allowed a single earned run however, in over 14 innings of pitching and boasts an ERA of 2.62.
Burnett, on the other hand, usually counted upon as a strong Yankee starter, is struggling this season, with a 9-10 record and a 4.66 ERA. He has not earned a win in his last three starts, and his ERA seems to be inching closer and closer to 5.
Hernandez has shown more consistent play lately, but Burnett is still a good starter, with plenty of power and confidence… this will be a close one, but I’d bet on New York, if only because of their bats, to take the first game at home.
Pick: Yankees
Game 2 – Saturday at 1:05 p.m. ET – Jason Vargas (9-5) vs Javier Vazquez (9-9)
Against Cleveland, Vargas allowed three runs in seven innings of play. His ERA in his last three games has improved, from his season average of 3.15 to 2.84. And he is on a roll, with three consecutive wins.
Vazquez enters this game with his season record sitting at .500, but will be determined to post a much-needed win. His pitching has sunk New York a few times this season, as he has not won a game in his last three starts, and not to mention his bloated 7.24 ERA in those starts. Vazquez is needs a good night, or he may not be part of the starting rotation come the post-season.
Vargas is currently in a better pitching mode, and the Mariners will be anxious to take a game on the road.
Pick: Mariners
Game 3 – Sunday at 1:05 p.m. ET – Luke French (2-3) vs CC Sabathia (16-5)
French enters the starting rotation after the Mariners pitching squad was changed up for the series at Yankee Stadium for the addition of two left-handers. Against the Baltimore Orioles, French threw over five innings without allowing any hits. He has pitched well as of late, with two wins and an ERA of 2.08 in his last three starts.
Here comes Sabathia! As I always say, I don’t bet against him. With sixteen wins on the season, he has won his last three starts all the while with a dominant ERA of 2.66.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. If you are looking to bet on baseball, stick with Sabathia and the Yankees!
Pick: Yankees