Seattle Mariners: Everyone Loves an Underdog – ALDS Pitching Matchups
Joe Swenson
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The Seattle Mariners did what many thought impossible. They won the Wild Card Series in Toronto, advancing to the Division Series against Houston. Here’s a preview of the possible ALDS pitching matchups.
Toronto was heavily favored to beat the Seattle Mariners in the American League Wild Card Series. 13 of 15 baseball experts from the four-letter network picked the Blue Jays to win. 16 of 18 baseball experts from MLB.com also picked the Blue Jays.
Despite what so many witnessed in the Mariners’ historic comeback in the ALWS, heading into the American League Division Series against Houston, the underdog chip couldn’t be more squarely placed on Seattle’s collective shoulders.
Even “fans” chimed in about how impossible it is for the Mariners to beat Houston. And why not? This season the Astros were better than Seattle in every batting and pitching statistic except:
- Triples
- Walks
- Stolen Bases (tied)
- Walks issued
Out of 30 team statistics, 26 of them favored Houston.
Not so different
The numbers aren’t cherry-picked. In actuality, the Seattle Mariners were statistically very close to the American League West Champs. In fact, since June 21, the Seattle Mariners were 61-31, and the Astros were 63-31.
They’re built virtually the same. Both teams feature strong starting pitching and amazing bullpens with power-hitting offenses that get on base.
While experts will pick Houston because they are looking at the season as a whole, anyone who takes a good look under the hood can see where the Seattle Mariners could have the advantage. And that doesn’t include the momentum Seattle brings with them to the Division Series.
Yes, Houston won the season series 12-7. But keep in mind the last time these teams played each other was on July 31. This is a different Seattle Mariners team from the one that dropped three of four in H-Town at the end of July.
Let’s look at the ALDS pitching matchups.
Which Divisional Series are you looking forward to most?
(1) Astros vs (5) Mariners
(2) Yankees vs (3) Guardians(1) Dodgers vs (5) Padres
(2) Braves vs (6) Phillies— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) October 10, 2022