*MLB is HOT HOT HOT* Joe D’s MLB is on a 22-8, and today we continue to BURN THE BOOKS on the diamond: 3-0 MONEYMAKER, GRAND SLAM, and DOUBLE PLAY releases. WE WILL SWEEP THE BOARD. So, bring a broom and follow me!

Seattle Mariners.

Game 965.

9:35 AM PST/12:35 PM EST.

Very quietly, the Mariners have taken control of the American League West at 41-40, giving them a 2.5-game cushion over the Astros, Athletics, and Rangers (all tied). However, recently they have started to struggle, dropping six of their last 10 overall games, which does include three of four games played on the road during that span. What can you say about Pittsburgh? There are playing .500 ball at 40-40, with Milwaukee, St. Louis, and Chicago all placed above them in the National League Central. They have split out their last 10 contests. Now on paper, Seattle scores about a run less per game. But their pitching staff ranks in the top-five with a team ERA of 3.69. This is what urges me to side with them today. We are expected to see Bryce Miller and Bubba Chandler as today’s starters. The Mariners right-hander is 3-1 with a 1.58 ERA on the campaign. The starter has made seven appearances thus far in the 2026 campaign, and has yet to yield more than two earned runs in any appearance. He is a perfect 3-0 away from home, with a very respectable 2.22 ERA. By the way, he is a perfect 2-0 against National League opponents this season. The Pirates right-hander is 2-7 overall this season, with a 4.62 ERA. Believe it or not, he hasn’t pitched that badly. He just does not get to run support. He has made 15 appearances this season, as the team has dropped 11 of those outings. At home, he has struggled, going 1-3 with a 5.28 ERA. I really feel the Mariners, who by the way have taken six of the last seven meetings against the Pirates, will dominate here with a better starter on the mound. Take Seattle. Thank you.