Seattle (28-20) at Houston (25-24)
- When: May 22 2025, 8:10 PM
- Where: Daikin Park, Houston
- Where to watch: SCHN
Mariners vs. Astros: AL West Sibling Slugfest We Didn’t Ask For, Still Watching
Moneyline: Seattle (-140)
Total: 8.5
The Setup: “First Place Meets ‘Kinda Fine'”
Welcome to Houston, where the Astros are almost .500 and everyone’s pretending that’s fine. They host the AL West-topping Seattle Mariners, who’ve apparently decided this is their year to be interesting. Seattle’s rolling in at 28-20, top of the division, while Houston sits just one game over .500, possibly wondering how the Oakland A’s are somehow worse.
Pitching Roulette: George “0-0 Forever” Kirby vs. Lance “WHIP Happens” McCullers
Seattle is trotting out George Kirby, who has as many wins as your grandma this season: zero. But hey, he’s not losing either. Expect five innings of decent control, three strikeouts, and one walk to someone who clearly shouldn’t be walked.
Houston counters with Lance McCullers, who’s rocking a 7.88 ERA and a WHIP of 2.12 which is just a fancy way of saying every inning starts with two men on base. You never know which Lance you’re getting: Cy Young contender or batting practice pitcher.
Offense Watch: Mariner Bombs and Astro Scraps
Seattle’s Cal Raleigh leads the team with 16 homers and is one bad haircut away from being a folk hero. Julio Rodriguez is trying to warm up with 11 RBIs in the last 10 games, while hitting just enough to make fantasy managers think he’s still elite.
Houston’s Isaac Paredes has been walking like he’s in a mall and swinging like he’s angry at the ball. Jeremy Pena is heating up slightly, though you might miss it if you blink.
Recent Form: Who’s Slightly Less Confusing?
Astros: 5-5 in their last 10, outscored by five runs, and swinging bats like they’re made of wet noodles.
Mariners: 6-4 in their last 10 despite a team batting average under .200. Somehow, they’re winning games by sheer wizardry and a good bullpen.
Gambling Outlook & Score Prediction:
Final Score Prediction: Mariners 5, Astros 3
Bets Bet: Seattle ML (-140)
Total: Under 8.5 (-105)
Seattle takes Game 1 behind Kirby’s stealthy effectiveness and a couple of timely bombs. McCullers walks the tightrope too long before slipping, and Houston’s bats do just enough to remind fans what frustration feels like.
- MLB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
