The Tampa Bay Rays have been sensational in 2021. The team was supposed to take a step back in the American League, but they are the AL frontrunner. The Mariners have not had the same level of success as Tampa Bay. However, Seattle has still been pesky throughout the season. 

They are still in the Wild Card conversation, but they must start playing better. The Rays and Mariners will play four this weekend, with game three on Saturday night. The first pitch from Safeco Field on Saturday is scheduled for 10:10 PM ET.

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Tampa Bay Rays  

If the Rays can win the American League East this season, it will be nothing short of remarkable. The squad is one of the best teams in the league. Although, the entire league is waiting for the team to start losing.

On paper, Tampa Bay is not great, but the players have meshed perfectly in 2021. The bullpen and offense have been outstanding. The offensive surge for the Rays has been shocking, considering the team was supposed to struggle at the dish.

The Rays have a cumulative ERA of 3.21. Pitching has been strong for the franchise, but their rotation took a huge hit last week. Tyler Glasnow went on the IL with a UCL issue. The ace is not expected to undergo Tommy John surgery, but this will be a blow for the team.

Tampa Bay’s bullpen should help the team recover without Glasnow. They are still the AL frontrunner without the pitcher because of New York’s poor play.

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Seattle Mariners

The Mariners’ highlight thus far is being one of three teams to be no-hit twice. Seattle may become the first team to be no-hit three times with how they have played.

The Mariners are averaging .213 at the plate with a .290 OBP. They were struggling to get above .200 at a team for an extended period. The Mariners have hit 79 bombs this season.

When the offense has performed, the pitching has struggled. The team’s ERA is 4.50, and they have a combined 224 walks.

The Mariners were never expected to contend, but they are still in the playoff conversation. It’s going to take a lot of work for the team to get to the postseason. Yet, it’s not mathematically impossible, but unlikely considering how the team has played.

A small bet on the Mariners to reach the postseason would win a lot of money.

We crushed our last free one. Check out our 76ers at Wizards Game 3 preview.

The Matchup

This game belongs to the Rays. Tampa Bay has not named a starting pitcher, but they are still expected to win. The Rays are in a different class than the Mariners.

Logan Gilbert will pitch for Seattle. He is 2-2 with a 4.13 ERA. He has averaged just over one strikeout per inning in 2021. I believe Austin Meadows and Joey Wendle will take advantage of Gilbert’s lack of experience.

If the Rays start strong, they will be tough to beat because of their bullpen. Seattle does not have the firepower to contend with Tampa Bay if they go down early.

I like the Rays on Saturday night in Seattle.

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