MLB Game Preview: Pittsburgh Pirates (38-50) vs. Seattle Mariners (45-42)

Matchup: Pittsburgh Pirates (38–50) vs. Seattle Mariners (45–42)
Date: Friday, July 4, 2025
Time: 4:10 PM ET
Venue: T-Mobile Park, Seattle, WA
Watch: ROOT Sports NW, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh, MLB.tv

Game Overview

The Seattle Mariners open a three-game home series against the red-hot Pittsburgh Pirates on Independence Day. The Pirates have won 8 of their last 10, including sweeps over the Mets and Cardinals, while the Mariners are clinging to the third AL Wild Card spot despite a 5–5 stretch.

This is the first meeting between the two clubs this season. The Pirates are just 12–29 on the road, while the Mariners are 22–21 at home, making this a critical series for both teams’ postseason hopes.

Starting Pitching Matchup

Bailey Falter (PIT)

• Record: 6–3
• ERA: 3.62
• WHIP: 1.13
• Last 3 Starts: 18 IP, 4 ER, 2 BB, 14 K
• Trend: Pirates are 4–1 in his last 5 starts

Falter has been one of Pittsburgh’s most consistent arms, using a low-90s fastball and deceptive changeup to generate weak contact. He’ll face a Mariners lineup that ranks 3rd in the AL in home runs but is prone to strikeouts.

Bryan Woo (SEA)

• Record: 7–4
• ERA: 2.75
• WHIP: 1.06
• Strikeouts: 96 in 101.1 IP
• Home ERA: 2.31

Woo has been dominant at T-Mobile Park and enters with a 1.93 ERA over his last 5 starts. His fastball-slider combo has been especially effective against left-handed hitters, which could neutralize Pirates sluggers like Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds.

Key Hitters to Watch

Pirates

• Bryan Reynolds: .240 AVG, 10 HR, 45 RBI
  • 15-for-42 over last 10 games with 6 doubles and 2 HR
• Oneil Cruz: 15 HR, 35 RBI, 27 SB
  • Leads team in HR and stolen bases
• Andrew McCutchen: .269 AVG, .350 OBP, 8 HR
• Veteran presence with 33 walks and 31 RBI

Mariners

• Cal Raleigh: 33 HR, 71 RBI, .631 SLG
  • Leads team in HR and RBI
• Randy Arozarena: 4 HR, 9 RBI in last 10 games
• Julio Rodríguez: .255 AVG, 11 HR, 13 SB
• 3-for-4 with a HR in last game vs. Pirates

Team Stats & Trends

Category	Pirates	Mariners
Team Batting Avg	.234	.248
Team ERA	3.69	3.93
Runs Scored	305	389
Home Runs	61	114 (3rd in AL)
Last 10 Games	8–2	5–5
Run Differential (L10)	+37	-7

This is a classic pitcher’s duel between two in-form starters. The Mariners’ power and Woo’s dominance at home give them the edge, but the Pirates’ recent form makes this a tight contest.

Betting Trends

• Pirates are 6–0 in their last 6 games
• Mariners are 4–1 in Bryan Woo’s last 5 home starts
• Under is 7–3 in Pirates’ last 10 games
• Mariners are 12–5 in their last 17 games vs. NL opponents