Seattle Mariners vs. Minnesota Twins: Preview, Predictions and Picks for May 8, 2024

Published on:
May 8, 2024 6:34 AM
On Wednesday, May 8th, the Seattle Mariners will take on the Minnesota Twins at Target Field, with the series currently tied 1-1. Both teams enter the matchup with identical 20-15 and 20-16 records, respectively, with the Mariners looking to capitalize on their 9-8 road record and the Twins aiming to protect their 9-8 home turf.
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Seattle Mariners
Minnesota Twins

Mariners vs Twins starting pitchers

In the upcoming matchup between the Seattle Mariners and the Minnesota Twins, the Mariners will deploy George Kirby as their starting pitcher, who has maintained an impressive ERA of 3.76 and a WHIP of 1.04 over the season. Kirby's control has been stellar, with only 4 walks issued against 41 strikeouts in 38.1 innings pitched, suggesting a strong command over his pitches and an ability to keep runs to a minimum. On the other side, the Twins will counter with Chris Paddack, whose season thus far has been a bit rockier, reflected by a 4.78 ERA and a higher WHIP of 1.47. Paddack's challenge has been his susceptibility to yielding hits and home runs, having given up 40 hits and 5 long balls over 32 innings. His statistics highlight a potential advantage for the Mariners' batters who might capitalize on Paddack's lesser command and higher rate of allowing base runners. This pitching matchup sets an intriguing stage, with Kirby likely looking to capitalize on his current form to navigate through the Twins' lineup, while Paddack aims to mitigate damage and find his rhythm against a competent Mariners' offense.

Mariners vs Twins game preview

The Seattle Mariners enter their upcoming game against the Minnesota Twins with a statistical profile that underscores their challenges at the plate. Leading the league in strikeouts with 371 signals a pressing issue with making contact, which is juxtaposed against their low .222 batting average, ranking them 25th in the league. Key players like Julio Rodriguez, the team's batting average leader at .255, and Cal Raleigh with his team-leading 9 homers offer some offensive sparks, but the overall lack of consistent base hits and runs (130 runs scored, tied-24th) highlights a notable area for improvement. On the mound, George Kirby will be a crucial figure for the Mariners. His performance will need to compensate for the offense’s instability, emphasizing the need for strong, controlled pitching to keep the game within reach.

Conversely, the Minnesota Twins demonstrate more balance and slightly better overall offensive metrics coming into the game. With a team batting average of .239 that positions them 17th in the league, coupled with a middle-of-the-pack standing in runs scored (162 runs, 14th in the league), the Twins showcase modestly more effective hitting than their counterparts. Spearheading their offense is Ryan Jeffers, leading with a notable .299 batting average and also setting the pace with 7 home runs and 26 RBIs. Pitching responsibilities will fall to Chris Paddack, whose outing will be pivotal in navigating through the Mariners’ lineup. The Twins will look to leverage their relatively steadier offensive production and the momentum from their key players to secure a win, particularly focusing on exploiting the Mariners' weaknesses at the plate.

Minnesota Twins injuries

  • Justin Topa (RP): 15-Day-IL
  • Jair Camargo (C): Day-To-Day
  • Walker Jenkins (CF): Day-To-Day
  • Aaron Sabato (1B): Day-To-Day
  • Will Holland (CF): Day-To-Day

Seattle Mariners injuries

  • Bryan Woo (SP): 15-Day-IL
  • Eduard Bazardo (RP): 15-Day-IL
  • J.P. Crawford (SS): 10-Day-IL
  • Tayler Saucedo (RP): Out
  • Gregory Santos (RP): 60-Day-IL

Mariners vs Twins predictions

Okay, let's get to the betting odds for this Mariners-Twins matchup. As of now, the Mariners are slight favorites at -115, with the Twins coming in at EVEN money. I love this line, folks. I mean, we're talking about two teams that are basicallyMirror images of each other - both 20-16, both with decent pitching, decent hitting. This one's gonna be a nail-biter. Now, I know what you're thinking - why are the Mariners favored? Well, it's because of George Kirby, their probable starter, who's been lights out this season. But more on that in a minute.

Now, let's make some projections for this one. I'm thinking Ty France goes off for 2 RBIs and a homer, and Mitch Haniger adds another two hits to his tally. On the Twins side, I've got Ryan Jeffers getting two hits, including a double, and Carlos Correa driving in a run with a sac fly. And here's the thing - I think the Twins' bats will be just enough to overcome Kirby's solid outing. I'm projecting the Twins to win this one 5-4, with Chris Paddack gutting out a tough win. Yeah, it's gonna be close, but I think the Twins' offense will be the difference maker. Take the Twins to win, and don't be surprised if it comes down to the wire.

Seattle Mariners vs. Minnesota Twins Betting Odds

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