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The Texas Rangers (89-69) and the Seattle Mariners (85-73) kick off a 4-game series Thursday at T-Mobile Park in Seattle. First pitch is scheduled for 9:40 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Rangers vs. Mariners odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Rangers lead 8-1
The Rangers are 2 1/2 games clear of the Houston Astros with 4 games to play, nearing an AL West title. If it wins the division, it would be the 1st for Texas since 2016, and its 5th division championship since 2010.
Texas took 2 of 3 games from the Los Angeles Angels, and that series win came on the heels of a 3-game sweep at home against the Mariners Sept. 22-24.
Seattle dropped 2 of 3 games from the Astros over the weekend, costly losses since these 2 teams are essentially vying for the same Wild Card spot. The M’s are 1 1/2 games behind the Astros with 4 regular-season games remaining, although Seattle does have a game in hand.
Rangers at Mariners projected starters
LHP Jordan Montgomery vs. RHP Logan Gilbert
Montgomery (10-11, 3.25 ERA) makes his 32nd start. He has a 1.19 WHIP, 2.3 BB/9 and 7.9 K/9 in 182 2/3 innings with the St. Louis Cardinals and Rangers.
- Last start: Win, 7 IP, 0 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 6 K in 2-0 home win vs. Seattle last Saturday
- 2023 road splits: 3-6, 2.82 ERA (83 IP, 26 ER), 7 HR, .227 OBA in 14 starts
Gilbert (13-7, 3.75 ERA) makes his 32nd start. He has a 1.09 WHIP, 1.8 BB/9 and 9.0 K/9 in 184 2/3 innings.
- Last start: Loss, 5 2/3 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 4 BB, 2 K in 2-0 road loss vs. the Rangers last Saturday
- 2023 home splits: 4-5, 4.18 ERA (84 IP, 39 ER), 16 HR, .226 OBA in 14 starts
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Rangers at Mariners odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:31 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Rangers +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Mariners -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rangers +1.5 (-200) | Mariners -1.5 (+165)
- Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Rangers at Mariners picks and predictions
Prediction
Mariners 4, Rangers 3
Moneyline
The MARINERS (-125) are a risky play, as they have dropped 8 of 9 meetings with the Rangers (+105). However, Texas is nearing a division title, and it is a near certainty to make the postseason in some capacity.
Things aren’t as rosy for the M’s, as analytics show a 27.6% chance of making the playoffs with 4 games remaining. Seattle will be playing with more urgency, as there is just no margin of error.
Run line/Against the spread
The Rangers +1.5 (-200) will cost 2 times your potential return if you want a little insurance, but don’t trust Texas straight up. That is just too much risk for not nearly enough reward.
PASS.
Over/Under
The UNDER 7.5 (-110) is worth a look in what is a de facto playoff game.
We’re going to get a well-pitched game, as Montgomery has been sharp since arriving in Texas at the MLB non-waiver trade deadline, while Gilbert has been sharp in his 2 outings against the Rangers, posting a 2.92 ERA and .182 opponent batting average across 12 1/3 IP. Look for a low-scoring affair.
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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
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