It’s crunch time! With five days left in the 2014 MLB regular season, it’s crunch time for playoff bubble teams. The Seattle Mariners are struggling to put together consistent starting pitching. They’ll need an excellent start from rookie Taijuan Walker tonight if they wish to cool Toronto’s hot bats and stay in the AL wild card mix.
Meanwhile, the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers contest their NL West rivalry in an all-important divisional clash. A win for the Dodgers would clinch the division, meanwhile the Giants will need to win one more should they best Clayton Kershaw tonight.
For more baseball action, check out our MLB Free Picks for the best five baseball games to bet on today.
[sc:MultiSportArticles ]Seattle Mariners vs. Toronto Blue Jays (7:07 PM ET)
Line: Seattle Mariners (EVEN) at Toronto Blue Jays (-110); total 8.5 – view these lines
[sc:MLB240banner ]The Mariners’ starting rotation is in a rut, posting a 9.15 ERA nine games into their 11-game road trip. However, Seattle may catch a break tonight starting rookie Taijuan Walker (2-2, 3.00 ERA). Walker has recorded the only win by a Seattle starter during their road trip, surrendering two runs and striking out seven over five and two-thirds innings at Houston on September 19. Meanwhile, Toronto’s Mark Buerhle (12-10, 3.53 ERA) has been inconsistent. He has gone 1-1 in four outings this month, but posted a 6.75 ERA in his last two starts.
Writer’s Prediction
The Mariners catch Toronto’s Buerhle on a cold day for a win.
San Francisco Giants vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (10:00 PM ET)
Line: San Francisco Giants (+220) at Los Angeles Dodgers (-260); total 6.0 – view these lines
The San Francisco Giants are playing to clinch a home wild card game or even a division title. Unfortunately, they will be facing the Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw (20-3, 1.80 ERA) tonight. Still, this could be the time for the Giants to hand the Los Angeles ace a loss. Kershaw surrendered three runs (all earned), while walking three in just five innings (tying his shortest start this season on June 8). However, San Francisco batters are hitting only .200 against him. You can view the full preview of this game here.
Writer’s Prediction
The Dodgers win, backed by a solid outing from Kershaw.
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