Seattle Mariners vs Cincinnati Reds Prediction: A competitive Interleague Encounter

On Tuesday, April 16, the 2024 Major League Baseball season continues with an interleague showdown between the Cincinnati Reds and the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park in Seattle. Let's delve into the upcoming game and provide a prediction.

The Seattle Mariners, currently standing at 6-10 for the season, are coming off a series loss against the Chicago Cubs, dropping two out of three games. Over their last three games, they've managed to score a total of 7 runs, achieving 4 or more runs in 5 of their last 9 games. When they've scored 4 or more runs this season, they've maintained a 5-3 record. Leading the Mariners in hits is Mitch Haniger with 14, along with 8 RBIs. Additionally, Ty France and Jorge Polanco have collectively contributed 25 hits and 8 RBIs. Taking the mound for the Mariners is George Kirby, who holds a 1-2 record with an 8.16 ERA and 13 strikeouts this season. Notably, this will be Kirby’s first career game against the Cincinnati Reds.

The Seattle Mariners are in dire need of offensive improvement, as they currently average just 3.13 runs per game, ranking 28th in the majors. Their slash line of .205/.279/.309, coupled with 15 doubles and 12 home runs in 492 at-bats, reflects their offensive struggles. Julio Rodriguez, in particular, has had a tough start to the season, holding a 34 OPS+.

The Cincinnati Reds have started the season strong with a 9-6 record and are coming off a sweep of the Chicago White Sox. Over their last three games, they've been prolific offensively, scoring 27 runs and achieving 4 or more runs in 5 of their last 6 games. When scoring 4 or more runs this season, they boast an impressive 9-3 record. Leading the charge for the Reds is Spencer Steer, who tops the team with 18 hits and 18 RBIs. Additionally, Elly De La Cruz and Jake Fraley have combined for 30 hits and 12 RBIs. Taking the mound for the Reds is Frankie Montas, who holds a 2-1 record with a stellar 2.16 ERA and 13 strikeouts this season. Montas has a track record of success against the Seattle Mariners, boasting a 2-3 record with a 2.72 ERA and 79 strikeouts in his career against them.

Offensively, the Cincinnati Reds rank third in the MLB, averaging 5.64 runs per game, with a slash line of .247/.328/.431. They've recorded 33 doubles, five triples, and 17 home runs in 511 at-bats so far this season. Spencer Steer leads the team with 18 RBIs and an impressive 1.150 OPS.

Ahead of this game, the Cincinnati Reds have demonstrated resilience as road underdogs against American League West opponents, winning each of their last six games in this scenario. Additionally, they've covered the run line in each of their last six games as road underdogs against American League West opponents.

The Cincinnati Reds' offense is red hot, and I can't pass up on them as underdogs. The Seattle Mariners have had a slow start to the season, and their offense has been inconsistent. Frankie Montas has been reliable for the Reds, allowing just 4 earned runs in 16.2 innings pitched. On the other hand, George Kirby has struggled, conceding 20 hits and 13 runs in 14.1 innings. The value lies with the Cincinnati Reds, especially with the plus money, and I anticipate them to at least cover the run line in this matchup.