Game Summary

The Seattle Mariners (72-71) are set to face the St. Louis Cardinals (72-70) on Sunday, September 8, 2024, at 2:15 p.m. EDT at Busch Stadium. This game marks the third and final contest of their current series. Both teams have demonstrated competitive spirit, with the Cardinals boasting a strong home record of 37-33, while the Mariners struggle on the road with a record of 31-43.

In their last ten games, the Cardinals have performed well with a 7-3 record, averaging .246 at the plate and posting a 3.91 ERA on the mound. They have outscored their opponents by four runs, highlighting their ability to win tight contests. The Mariners, meanwhile, have been inconsistent with a 5-5 record, but they have outperformed their opponents significantly, outscoring them by 22 runs. Their pitching staff has also shown promise with a 3.48 ERA during this stretch.

Historically, the Mariners and Cardinals have had a competitive rivalry, making this matchup even more intriguing. Key players to watch include J.P. Crawford, who has been a consistent performer for the Mariners, and Cardinals' Paul Goldschmidt, who has been hot lately with seven doubles and a home run in his last ten games.

With both teams looking for a crucial win, fans can expect an electric atmosphere at Busch Stadium as they battle for playoff positioning.

Player Prop Odds

Here are the latest player prop odds for J.P. Crawford:

• Batter Doubles: Over 0.5 (+370)
• Batter Hits: Over 1.5 (+200)
• Batter RBIs: Over 0.5 (+185)
• Batter Runs Scored: Over 0.5 (+110)
• Batter Singles: Over 0.5 (-165)
• Batter Total Bases: Over 1.5 (+120)

Player Analysis

J.P. Crawford has shown consistent improvement this season. He currently boasts a batting average of .274, with a solid on-base percentage. He has contributed significantly to the Mariners' offense with 67 RBIs and 22 doubles this season. His ability to get on base has been key, making him a valuable asset in high-pressure situations.

He has also been effective against right-handed pitchers, which will be beneficial against the Cardinals' Miles Mikolas. Crawford's plate discipline has improved, leading to a lower strikeout rate and increased walk numbers. This season, he has shown the ability to deliver in clutch situations, particularly with runners in scoring position.

Opposing Analysis

The Cardinals' pitching staff has been a mixed bag this season, with Miles Mikolas struggling at times. He has a 5.27 ERA and has given up 171 hits in 153.2 innings pitched. While he has the ability to strike batters out (107 strikeouts), he is also prone to giving up runs, which could be advantageous for Crawford.

Against left-handed hitters, Mikolas has allowed a higher batting average, making Crawford's chances of success even more favorable. The Mariners' lineup has the potential to exploit any weaknesses in Mikolas’ pitching, especially if they can get on base early and often.

Prop Analysis

Evaluating these props for J.P. Crawford, the “Batter Singles” prop stands out as he has consistently hit singles throughout the season. At -165, it presents a relatively safe bet considering his current form.

The “Batter Hits” prop at over 1.5 (+200) is also intriguing, especially given Crawford's ability to find gaps in Mikolas' pitching. The odds reflect a potential payoff that could be advantageous if he performs as expected.

For the “Batter RBIs,” betting on over 0.5 (+185) could also be a good choice, particularly if there are runners on base when he comes to bat.

Starting Pitching Summary - Seattle Mariners

Luis Castillo will take the mound for the Mariners with an 11-12 record and a 3.60 ERA. He has been a reliable option for Seattle throughout the season, striking out 172 batters while allowing only 153 hits in 172.1 innings pitched. Castillo's ability to keep runs to a minimum can help maintain a lead for the Mariners, allowing their offense to focus on scoring.

His recent performances have improved, making him a key component in this series finale. If Castillo can limit damage against the Cardinals, it will provide more opportunities for Crawford and the rest of the lineup to capitalize.

Starting Pitching Summary - St. Louis Cardinals

Miles Mikolas will be starting for the Cardinals. His record stands at 8-10 with a 5.27 ERA. He has struggled at times, giving up a significant number of hits and runs. If the Mariners can capitalize on his weaknesses, especially early in the game, it could lead to a favorable outcome for Crawford and his prop bets.

Bullpen Summary - Seattle Mariners

The Mariners' bullpen has been one of the best this season, leading the league with 48 saves. Their ability to close out games effectively will be crucial if the Mariners have a lead late in the game.

Bullpen Summary - St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals' bullpen has been inconsistent, ranking lower in saves and ERA. If the game is close, the Mariners could exploit this weakness, especially with Crawford likely to be involved in critical situations in the later innings.

Team Previews

The Mariners have shown potential with a batting average of .246, ranking them 13th in the league. However, they have struggled to score runs consistently, sitting at 24th overall. Their pitching staff, led by Castillo, holds an ERA of 4.14, ranking them 17th.

The Cardinals, on the other hand, have struggled offensively, ranking 30th with a .218 batting average and 26th in runs scored. However, their pitching has been solid, with a team ERA of 3.50, ranking first in the league. This contrast will be pivotal in determining the outcome of the game.

Team Injuries

**Seattle Mariners Injuries:**

• Yimi Garcia - Elbow - 15-Day IL
• Gregory Santos - Biceps - 15-Day IL
• Sam Haggerty - Achilles - 60-Day IL
• Matt Brash - Elbow - 60-Day IL
• Jackson Kowar - Elbow - 60-Day IL

**St. Louis Cardinals Injuries:**

• Willson Contreras - Finger - 10-Day IL
• Lance Lynn - Knee - 15-Day IL
• Keynan Middleton - Forearm - 60-Day IL
• Drew Rom - Biceps - 60-Day IL

Prediction