MLB Predictions Preview …The Minnesota Twins lost its grip atop the AL Central Division standings allowing the Chicago White Sox to take sole possession of the first place after losing two straight to the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim over the weekend. Tonight the Twins look to regain their lost momentum when they play a road series against the woeful Seattle Mariners. Tonight the Twins will send to the mound starting lefthander Francisco Liriano (4-3, 4.24 ERA) while the Mariners hand the ball to righthander Miguel Batista (4-12, 6.55 ERA).
MLB Predictions Betting Line … Oddsmakers at online sportsbook SBGglobal currently have the Twins listed as -210 money line favorites versus the Mariners, while the game's total is sitting at 8½. The Mariners are getting +175 money line odds as a home underdog.
Liriano allowed no earned runs in five innings but racked up 107 pitches Wednesday in a 3-1 Twins victory over the A's. The lefty struck out five while allowing five hits and three walks but stranded eight runners. Liriano is 4-0 with a 1.14 ERA in four starts since being recalled from Triple-A Rochester on Aug. 1. Next up for Liriano is Seattle. The lefty allowed no earned runs in seven innings on Aug. 15 against the Mariners at the Metrodome.
Batista returns to the rotation after spending a couple of weeks in the bullpen to get his act together after surrendering six earned runs over three innings in a start on August 4. He has made six relief appearances since then, allowing one earned run. His success often times is predicated by his control. The 37-year-old simply walks too many batters, which helps get his pitch count high. Throwing early strikes and getting early outs is imperative for him.
The Twins lost to the Angels 5-3 as a +150 underdog on Sunday. The eight runs scored caused this game to be a PUSH on the posted over/under total (8).
Justin Morneau was 3-4 with a home run and three RBI for Minnesota and Nick Punto was 3-4 in the loss.
The Mariners defeated Oakland 8-4 as a -190 favorite on Sunday. The 12 runs scored went OVER the posted over/under total (8).
Jose Lopez hit a three-run home run and Kenji Johjima was 2-3 with a solo home run for Seattle, while Miguel Cairo was 2-3 with two RBI in the win.
MLB Prediction …This can’t be more simply put…The Mariners are terrible. The play here is Minnesota -210.
