Were it not for the American League West Division leading Los Angeles Angels (61-42), the Seattle Mariners (57-46) would be the team sitting in the cat-bird-seat. However, the Angels are one team the Mariners can’t seem to solve resulting in a four game standings lead.
The Mariners have the opportunity to close the gap as they host the Angels in a three game series beginning Monday night. For Seattle RHP Miguel Batista (10-7, 4.48 ERA) goes to the mound while RHP Kelvim Escobar (11-4, 2.91 ERA) pitches for LA.
Oddsmakers show more confidence in Escobar’s ability to get things done having LA installed a slight road favorite (-120 ml) over Seattle (+110 ml). The total, set at 8.5 is getting even money on the OVER while the price of the UNDER is giving -120.
The Angels are also slightly favored to win the three game series -125 to -105.
If there is any reason LA is getting the favorites nod it has to do with its winning seven of the teams’ nine meetings this year. This series could possibly set the stage for the stretch run to the playoffs. If the Mariners can keep pace or sweep, August should prove to be a great battle in the division. If the Mariners tank at home it could be a long up hill climb with only two months left in the regular season.
Before Seattle can hope to even the playing field with LA, they must figure out a way to slow down Vladimir Guerrero. The star Angels’ outfielder can rake against Mariners pitching batting .552 with seven walks, four home runs and 11 RBI’s with 12 runs scored.
Reno Goldberg’s pick: Take the OVER 8.0 (EVEN). The Angels bats seem to come alive against Mariners pitching.
