The biggest series on the final weekend of the 2023 MLB regular season likely starts Thursday night from Seattle as the Texas Rangers and Mariners open a four-game set. Both are battling for playoff spots either as AL West champion or via the wild card.

Texas, Houston and Seattle are all battling for the AL West, most likely with the Rangers winning it but not a sure thing. The Astros and Mariners also are fighting Toronto for the AL’s final two wild card spots. Tampa Bay is the top wild card team. This is the latest point in a season for Texas to hold at least a share of 1st place since the final day of its last division-winning campaign in 2016. The Rangers are 10-4-0 in 14 series vs. A.L. West foes in ’23.

Nitrobetting checks out the game in this preview. Get a complete look at the game information, team and player statistics, and the latest MLB odds. We also deliver timely betting trends and predictions that help you secure the best picks.

Texas Rangers vs. Seattle Mariners Game Information

Nothing better than baseball in the fall ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/4xRjcpi7Cm

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) September 27, 2023

• When: Thursday, September 28, 2023, 9:40 PM ET
• Where: T-Mobile Park, Seattle, WA
• TV: BSSW, RSNW
• Radio: 105.3 The Fan (Rangers) // ESPN Seattle 710 AM (Mariners)
• Live Stream: MLB.tv
• MLB Odds: Rangers (+115) // Mariners (-125)

Why bet on the Texas Rangers?

The Rangers avoided disaster on Tuesday when All-Star shortstop and AL MVP candidate Corey Seager was hit by a pitch on his right forearm, but X-rays were negative. Seager remained in the game after getting hit by a 93-mph Reid Detmers fastball, but he was eventually pulled in the sixth after the Angels took a 9-1 lead. Seager leads the AL in batting average.

He is seeking to become the 4th Ranger ever to win the A.L. batting title: Julio Franco in 1991, Michael Young in 2005, Josh Hamilton in 2010 Seager has a .640 SLG and 1.034 OPS, both within reach for club records in SLG (Juan Gonzalez-.643 in 1996) and OPS (Rafael Palmeiro-1.050 in 1999).

Second baseman Marcus Semien’s 98 RBI are easily the most ever by a Ranger in the leadoff slot in one season, and his 28 HR from the leadoff spot rank 2nd in club history (32-Ian Kinsler in 2011). Semien leads the A.L. in runs (118) and hits (179) this year.

It’s lefty and trade acquisition Jordan Montgomery (10-11, 3.25) on the mound for Texas. Montgomery earned the win over Seattle last Saturday, allowing five hits and two walks while striking out six batters over seven scoreless innings. The Mariners didn’t manage to collect multiple hits against him in any inning. Montgomery continued a dominant three-start stretch during which he has allowed just one run while posting a 17:3 K:BB over 21 frames, turning things around after yielding 11 earned runs over 9.1 innings during his first two outings in September.

Montgomery has been especially good since coming over to the Rangers at the Trade Deadline, posting a 2.92 ERA in 10 starts. But his outings over the past three weeks have shown exactly why Texas decided to trade for him in the first place.

“He’s been outstanding, hasn’t he?” said Texas Manager Bruce Bochy. “He’s throwing quality strikes with all four pitches, and he’s staying in command with a good tempo out there. Seven solid innings. He had to work a little bit harder tonight, but still got us through seven. Just a great effort, and we needed it with their guy throwing well too. It was a well-pitched game on both sides and a lot of good things happened during that game, but it all starts with Monty.”

Why bet on the Seattle Mariners?

Cal Raleigh’s 24 catcher caught stealing throws lead the majors for Seattle. Julio Rodríguez’s 12 Outs Above Average rank T-2nd among American League outfielders. Shortstop J.P. Crawford this season has set career-highs in home runs (17) and RBI (58) and is on pace to set additional highs in on-base percentage (.376), slugging percentage (.427) and OPS (.804).

It’s right-hander Logan Gilbert (13-7, 3.75 ERA) for Seattle. Gilbert took the loss against Texas on Saturday, allowing two runs on five hits and four walks while striking out two batters over 5.2 innings. Gilbert had as many walks (four) as punchouts (two), though one of the free passes was intentional. Gilbert was tagged with his second straight loss after going 8-0 over 13 games between July 4 and Sept. 11.

This year, Gilbert is 0-2 vs. Texas despite a 2.92 ERA and owns a 2-2 record and 2.87 ERA (17 ER, 53.1 IP) with 13 walks and 49 strikeouts in 9 career starts against the Rangers.

Rangers vs. Mariners Betting Trends

• Texas is 7-1 SU in the last 8 games.
• Rangers are 7-0 SU in its last 7 games against Seattle.
• The total went over in 12 of Texas’ last 17 games.
• Seattle is 1-5 SU in the last 6 games.
• Mariners are 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home.
• The total went over in 4 of Seattle’s last 5 games against Texas.

Rangers vs. Mariners Betting Prediction

Mariners 4, Rangers 3.

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