Mariners Tigers Betting – Mariners, Tigers Look To Make Ground In Respective Divisions This Weekend

The 2011 Belmont Stakes betting race is right around the corner, and that means there is still a long time before the division races and respective wild card positions are determined. While the Cleveland Indians opened the season hotter than any other team in the American League, they have cooled down early on in the month of June, and that has opened the door for the Detroit Tigers to climb to within striking distance of the AL Central division leaders. The Tigers will look to continue their rise with a four-game set this weekend against the Seattle Mariners, who are also in contention right there behind the Texas Rangers in the AL West.

Seattle Mariners @ Detroit Tigers

Thursday, 7:05 PM ET

One of the biggest reasons for the Tigers’ steady climb has been the outstanding pitching of Justin Verlander, who is 2-0 in his past two starts with just two earned runs allowed in over 15 innings of work. Detroit has clinched a victory in five of the past six games that the right-handed pitcher has started, and he should have the edge over Doug Fister as the series gets underway in the Motor City on Thursday.

Seattle Mariners @ Detroit Tigers

Just the same as Verlander has looked strong for the Tigers, so to has Erik Bedard for Seattle, with the Mariners earning the decision in each of his last four starts. Run support will again be the key as Seattle’s offense has picked up its play over the past month, and they should be able to do enough to help Bedard pick up the sports betting bonus win over Brad Penny for Detroit.

Seattle Mariners @ Detroit Tigers

Despite his pedestrian 4.68 ERA, Max Scherzer has been a rock for his team this season with a 7-2 record, or maybe it’s the other way around with the Tigers’ bats coming alive behind him to win in each of his last two starts despite the fact that he has allowed 13 earned runs in his last 11.2 innings of work. He won’t get away with those numbers with 22-year old Michael Pineda on the mound for the Mariners. Pineda is 6-3 this season with a 2.33 ERA, and has allowed just three earned runs combined in his last two starts while going seven strong in both despite no wins.

MLB Betting Pick: Seattle Mariners

Seattle Mariners @ Detroit Tigers

Ace Felix Hernandez will be on the mound for the Mariners in a Sunday matinee to wrap up the series and make sure that they come out with three of four online sports betting wins. The reigning Cy Young award winner hasn’t been as consistent so far this season but he should be able to get the job done. Hernandez will pitch against Rick Porcello of the Tigers.