If we take a look at this upcoming face-off at the T-Mobile Park between the Philadelphia Phillies and homeboys, Seattle Mariners, it’s shaping up as quite the event. Plus, the park allegedly favors men on the mound, so our starters, Zack Wheeler for the Phillies and Logan Gilbert for the Mariners, ought to feel like kings on a throne. Wheeler's whipped up an impressive 2.96 ERA this season, and Gilbert's on his tail with a 3.22 ERA, but both are strikingly good at striking out, inflating those K/9 with gusty zeal.
On the plate, you can chalk up some very fascinating characters. For Phillies, Alec Bohm is showing up with a 0.292 average while Trea Turner with 8 home runs under his belt really adds a dose of drama. Mariners, on the other hand, are depending on Victor Robles and Jorge Polanco to play their hearts out and get those runs in.
Now, here's where it gets interesting - the history. While the Mariners did upset the Phillies twice recently, one of these victories was a comfortingly close 6-5 game. It's kind of like watching a film where you know the main character's doomed but you're not quite sure when exactly it'll happen.
The Regular Season Records indicate Phillies with 65 wins and 44 losses while Mariners look a bit outmatched with 58 wins and 53 losses. However, the recent results do not paint an appalling picture for the Mariners. Phillies could be termed as languishing in a bit of a slump losing four of their recent games.
Despite the favoritism of the Phillies, the grueling travel schedule seems to be taking its toll on their performance. On the other hand, the Mariners are keeping the ship steady and also have the advantage of playing in their home base. It seems this underdog story is building up to its climax.
And, drum roll please… Albert’s Prediction: Seattle Mariners by 3.