Mariners vs. Pirates Odds & Betting Predictions - August 18, 2024

Follow On X: https://x.com/PicksOffice George Kirby gets the nod for the Mariners, posting a season ERA of 3.42 and a WHIP of 1.09 through 25 starts. On the whole, statistics like these would normally seem respectable for Kirby, but he has really been struggling this year away from home, reflected by his on-the-road record of 3-6. His recent form is also a worry, having given up 16 earned runs and five home runs in his last three starts, covering just 14 innings. This includes a rough start against the Detroit Tigers when he gave up six earned runs, with an additional five unearned runs because of some poor defense behind him. The Pirates will counter with Jake Woodford. Woodford has been far less consistent, posting a season ERA of 5.87 and a WHIP of 1.26 across six appearances, but he's shown some improvement in his recent outings, the general consensus being that his FIP was 4.35, which projects that ERA might selloff as the year wears on. Woodford has given up just three runs earned in his last four appearances, so maybe he can find his footing. As far as the offenses are concerned, the Mariners have really stuttered in their last 10 games—with a team batting average of .184. The offense surely hasn't been there to back its starting pitchers like Kirby so often. On the other hand, the Pirates do a little better lately at the plate and hold an edge in bullpen performance that could be key in a close game.

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