Tonight’s rematch between the foes has Marlins right-hander Chris Volstad (2-7, 5.65 ERA) slated to oppose Mariners southpaw Jason Vargas (5-4, 3.75 ERA). Baseball betting outlets first opened Vargas as a 150 favorite, while first setting the ‘total’ at seven ‘over’ on the MLB odds boards.

Vargas and the Mariners

Vargas tossed aplete-game shutout in Sunday’s 2-0 win for Seattle as 150 home dog against the Philadelphia Phillies (who face the Oakland A’s tonight). The 28-year-old allowed three hits in nine frames (119 pitches), while notching six strikeouts. 

Mariners second baseman Dustin Ackley poked a triple, finishing 1-for-3. Ackley’s mates Justin Smoak and Adam Kennedy united to hit 3-for-4, bringing in one run each. 

The tight duel’s two runs plunged ‘under’ the ‘total’ of 6 ½. Seattle edged out the Phillies in hits, 8-3, with neither squad recording an error. 

The Mariners are 22-18 in their first 40 dates at Safeco Field, with the ‘under’ cashing at 21-16-3. Smoak and Co. have hit .221 against right-handed pitching this year, including .228 in their last 10 games. 

Volstad and the Marlins

Volstad picked up a no-decision in Sunday’s 2-1 defeat for Florida as a 190 road dog against the Tampa Bay Rays, ending a string of four straight losses. The fourth-year hurler gave up one run in seven innings (114 pitches), while allowing six hits. 

Florida’s sole run was brought in by cleanup man Gaby Sanchez, who drilled a sacrifice fly for an early 1-0 lead. Sanchez’ mates Emilio Bonifacio and Omar Infante each cracked a double, uniting to bat 2-for-7.

The close battle’sbined three runs dipped below the ‘total’ of eight. Marlins reliever Ryan Webb logged the loss for his squad, surrendering the Rays’ go-ahead run in the eighth inning. 

Florida is 17-19 in its 36 games away from home, with the ‘over’ going 17-16-3. Jack McKeon’s club has hit .244 facing lefties this year, but dropped to a .212 BA against southpaws in its last 10 games.

Tonight’s matchup

Today’s first pitch is scheduled for 10:10 p.m. (ET), with weather conditions negligible due to Safeco Field’s retractable roof. Umpire Wally Bell is slated behind home plate, with the ‘under’ going 4-1-2 in his last seven called games. 

I am providing my MLB Free Pick to back the Mariners and Vargas in this spot, looking to cash at a present price tag of minus 135. 

Vargases off a solid outing, topping an impressive run in most of his recent home affairs. The California native has allowed 12 earned runs in his last 42 2/3 IP at Safeco Field, including three shutouts. 

The Mariners are 4-1 in Vargas’ last five starts with five days of rest, while cashing at 9-4 in their last 13 interleague games against right-handed starters. 

Volstad has failed to pick up a win in his road jersey yet this year, with a 0-3 mark and sizable 7.17 ERA in seven outings. The 24-year-old has given up 10 homers in that span’s 37 2/3 IP. 

Florida is 1-7 in its last eight games against left-handed starters, while going 1-4 in Volstad’s last five interleague outings.

Mariners shortstop Brendan Ryan is 3-for-6 lifetime against Volstad, giving the infielder a stellar chance of ending his 0-for-7 hitting slide. 

My Pick: Look for Seattle to pick up anothermanding win in Saturday’s affair, adding one more cashed ticket to its 14-4 mark in its last 18 games as a favorite.  

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