Atlanta Braves at Seattle Mariners
SEATTLE (Interstat) — The Atlanta Braves, owners of the best record in the National League at 25-10, open a three-game series against the Seattle Mariners (16-19) on Monday at T-Mobile Park.
First pitch is set for 7:10 p.m. PDT.
Atlanta enters on a five-game winning streak, having swept a three-game set at Colorado over the weekend. The Braves outscored the Rockies 28-13 in that series, culminating in an 11-6 victory Sunday. Catcher Jonah Heim highlighted that win, going 2-for-4 with a home run and five RBIs. Heim, a player to watch in Monday’s series opener, has been productive of late, collecting hits in four of his last six games and driving in multiple runs in two of those contests.
The Braves’ offense has been potent throughout their recent surge, averaging more than six runs per game during their five-game winning streak. Atlanta also took two of three from Detroit and swept a four-game set at Washington earlier in the month. Shortstop Jorge Mateo has provided consistent production, while left-handed reliever Dylan Lee has been effective out of the bullpen.
Seattle, in contrast, comes into the game having lost four consecutive contests, including a three-game sweep at the hands of the Kansas City Royals over the weekend. The Mariners managed just one run in Sunday’s 4-1 loss. Right-hander Luis Castillo is a key player to watch, but he has struggled recently. In his last outing against Kansas City on Sunday, Castillo allowed four earned runs on six hits over six innings in a losing effort. Over his last four starts, Castillo has gone 0-3 with a 7.11 ERA, surrendering 14 earned runs over 17 2/3 innings, including a pair of home runs.
Monday’s pitching matchup has not been announced.
Interstat’s game simulator projects an 8-5 victory for Atlanta, despite Seattle being installed as a 1.5-run pregame favorite. The over/under is set at 7.5 runs, suggesting oddsmakers expect a moderately high-scoring affair.
Following Monday’s contest, the teams will meet again Tuesday and Wednesday to close the series. The Braves then travel to Los Angeles for a three-game set against the Dodgers, while the Mariners head to Chicago for a three-game series against the White Sox.
Heim has posted a .270 batting average in his last eight games, with two home runs and seven RBIs over that span. He represents a significant threat in the middle of Atlanta’s order. Seattle will look to Castillo to regain his form and help snap the club’s four-game skid.