First pitch is scheduled for 2:20 PM ET, with live coverage on MLB Network, Marquee Sports Network, and MLB.TV.
Game Overview: Mariners vs Cubs – Wrigley Winds and Wild Cards
This is the series opener of a three-game set between two playoff hopefuls. The Cubs, second in the NL Central, are riding a 12–3 stretch at home and boast one of the league’s most potent offenses. The Mariners, clinging to Wild Card relevance in the AL, are looking to rebound from a 3–1 loss to Boston and snap a 2–5 skid on the road.
Chicago Cubs: Home Cooking and Offensive Firepower
Record: 45–29 (24–13 at home)
Last Game: 8–7 loss vs Milwaukee Brewers
Probable Starter: Matthew Boyd (6–3, 2.79 ERA)
Strengths:
- Elite Offense: 2nd in MLB in runs scored (397), 5th in home runs (102), 4th in slugging (.437).
- Home Dominance: 12–3 in last 15 games at Wrigley Field.
- Pitching Stability: Boyd has four straight quality starts and a 2.25 ERA at home.
Key Players:
- Pete Crow-Armstrong: Fastest Cub to reach 20 HRs and 20 SBs in a season.
- Seiya Suzuki: 18 HRs, 61 RBIs, .285 AVG.
- Dansby Swanson: Heating up with 2 HRs in last 4 games.
Seattle Mariners: Searching for Consistency
Record: 37–36 (17–17 on the road)
Last Game: 3–1 loss vs Boston Red Sox
Probable Starter: George Kirby (1–3, 5.96 ERA)
Strengths:
- Power Potential: 91 home runs (9th in MLB), led by Cal Raleigh.
- Bullpen Depth: Closer Andrés Muñoz has 18 saves and a 1.26 ERA.
- Recent Pitching Upside: Kirby has 19 strikeouts over his last two starts.
Key Players:
- Cal Raleigh: 27 HRs, 60 RBIs, .994 OPS — one of MLB’s top power-hitting catchers.
- Julio Rodríguez: Slumping recently but still dangerous with .344 wOBA vs lefties.
- J.P. Crawford: Steady presence at the top of the lineup.
Head-to-Head & Betting Trends
| Category | Mariners | Cubs |
|---|---|---|
| Team Batting Avg | .242 (20th) | .254 (6th) |
| Team ERA | 3.87 (14th) | 3.72 (10th) |
| Home Runs | 91 (9th) | 102 (5th) |
| Runs Per Game | 4.3 (16th) | 5.3 (2nd) |
| Last 10 Meetings | 2–8 | 8–2 |
- Cubs are 8–2 in their last 10 vs Mariners.
- Wind expected to blow out at Wrigley, favoring hitters.
- Cubs are -134 favorites on the moneyline; over/under set at 9.5 runs.
Game Odds
Seattle Mariners – 9.5
Chicago Cubs – 144
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, June 19, 2025
