Boston Red Sox vs Seattle Mariners Picks and Predictions July 29th 2024

After weekend sweep, Mariners face struggling Red Sox

The Seattle Mariners are riding high after a successful weekend sweep of the Chicago White Sox. Now, they head to Boston to take on the struggling Red Sox in a three-game series starting Monday. This matchup is crucial for both teams, as the Mariners aim to solidify their position atop the American League West standings, while the Red Sox look to recover from recent setbacks.

Mariners’ Recent Success

Seattle’s sweep of the White Sox was marked by strong performances from key players. Cal Raleigh’s back-to-back home runs and contributions from Victor Robles and new acquisition Randy Arozarena powered the Mariners to a 6-3 victory on Sunday. Mariners manager Scott Servais emphasized the importance of this offensive momentum, highlighting the need for the lineup to support the team’s already reliable pitching staff.

Key Players for Seattle

• Cal Raleigh: Known for his power, Raleigh’s recent home runs have been pivotal in Seattle’s success.
• Randy Arozarena: Newly acquired and already making an impact, Arozarena’s presence adds depth and excitement to the Mariners’ lineup.
• Logan Gilbert: The right-hander leads the American League in WHIP and quality starts, though he seeks to bounce back from a challenging outing against the Angels.

Boston Red Sox’s Struggles

The Red Sox have faced a tough July, particularly since the All-Star break, going 2-7 in their last nine games. Despite an encouraging start to the month, Boston has faltered, with recent losses to the Yankees highlighting their challenges. Manager Alex Cora remains optimistic, stressing that a short-term slump does not define the team.

Key Players for Boston

• Nick Pivetta: After a rough game against Colorado, Pivetta looks to regain form. He has had success against Seattle in the past, making this a critical start for him.
• Danny Jansen: Newly acquired from Toronto, Jansen aims to provide stability behind the plate and contribute offensively.

Matchup Analysis

Pitching Duel: Logan Gilbert vs. Nick Pivetta

• Gilbert: Boasts an impressive ERA and leads the league in WHIP, but needs a strong performance after a recent setback.
• Pivetta: Despite recent struggles, his history against Seattle includes impressive strikeout numbers and solid outings.

Offensive Battle:

• Seattle’s offense, bolstered by Raleigh and Arozarena, looks to continue its hot streak.
• Boston’s lineup, featuring players like Rafael Devers and Alex Verdugo, must find consistency to challenge Seattle’s pitchers.

Strategies for Victory

Seattle Mariners:

• Sustain Offensive Momentum: Players like Raleigh and Arozarena need to keep delivering at the plate.
• Strong Starting Pitching: Gilbert and the rest of the rotation must maintain their high standards to suppress Boston’s hitters.

Boston Red Sox:

• Improve Late-Game Execution: Closing out games has been a challenge, and the bullpen needs to step up.
• Solid Starts from Pivetta: Given his potential, Pivetta must rebound and set the tone early in the series.

Conclusion

The Mariners enter this series with confidence, aiming to extend their winning streak and fortify their standing in the AL West. For the Red Sox, this series represents a chance to turn the tide and regain their footing. With both teams bringing new faces and high stakes, baseball fans can anticipate an exciting and competitive series in Boston.

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