Braves-Mariners Pitching Matchups
The two teams with the longest winning streaks this season meet in Seattle this weekend. The Braves-Mariners series showcases two playoff contenders with solid pitching staffs. Here’s a look at the matchups: Friday Charlie Morton takes the mound against Robbie Ray. Max Fried and George Kirby face off on Saturday. Sunday the Braves penciled in Jake Odorizzi to take on Marco Gonzales.
I hate to call matchups a push but these matchups are fairly even. Ray’s and Kirby’s strike out rates should concern the Braves. Fried had a no-hitter through five innings in his last start against the Miami Marlins. The series probably comes down to Jake Odorizzi and whether he can build off his last two starts. If he can match Gonzales Atlanta can win the series.
Braves Lineup An Advantage
Despite the Braves high strike out rate Atlanta is second in MLB in runs scored, OPS, and slugging this season. Young players such as Michael Harris and Vaughn Grissom continue their clutch hitting for the team. Catchers William Contreras and Travis d’Arnuad have been the best hitting duo in baseball this season. One through nine the entire lineup is capable of doing damage.
The Mariners rank far behind Atlanta in runs. Seattle relies on Julio Rodriquez, Ty France, and Eugenio Suarez to get timely hits for them. Cal Raleigh’s power at the bottom of the lineup has been a plus as well.
The hitting advantage goes to the Braves. Only the Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros offenses rival it in depth. With their combination of speed and power Atlanta can and has scored on everyone this season.
Atlanta-Seattle Bullpens Almost Dead Even
The Braves-Mariners bullpen stats are so close it feels like splitting hairs. Both teams allow very few walks, though Atlanta has more strikeouts. Seattle’s also surrendered a few more homeruns.
Paul Sewald’s season as the Mariners closer gives Seattle the bullpen edge. Kenley Jansen already has more blown saves than he has all last season. Atlanta’s best chance is to score enough runs early to take the pressure off him.
Series Pick
Atlanta has the biggest advantage with its lineup versus Seattle’s. The teams pitching and bullpens, outside of their closers, are almost dead even. If the Mariners shut down the Braves lineup it will truly be impressive. The pick is for Atlanta to put enough runs to take two out of three games and keep pace with the New York Mets.
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