There are only five games on the MLB betting slate this Thursday, with the final contest taking place on the West Coast between the Washington Nationals and Seattle Mariners.
Washington is sending MacKenzie Gore to the mound, and my Nationals vs. Mariners predictions are betting on him to have a big night. Here are my best free MLB picks for this interleague clash on May 29.
Nationals vs Mariners prediction
My Nationals vs Mariners best bet: MacKenzie Gore Over 7.5 strikeouts (-130 at bet365)
MacKenzie Gore is having a breakout season for the Washington Nationals. The 26-year-old has pitched to a 3.47 ERA and leads the majors with 93 strikeouts through 62 1/3 innings.
The southpaw is in the Top 15th percentile in chase rate while ranking in the 95th percentile in whiff rate (34.6%) and strikeout rate (36.3%). I'm backing the southpaw to stifle a Seattle Mariners offense that's crushing the ball on the road but has been significantly less productive at home.
The Mariners are batting just .216 with an OPS of .677 at pitcher-friendly T-Mobile Park. Their heavy-hitters can drive the ball when they make contact, but making contact hasn't come easily for them.
They're 23rd in the majors in strikeout rate (23%), with that number ticking up to 25.1% against southpaws. They're also just 28th in whiff rate while Gore has racked up 8+ punchouts in five of his last seven starts.
Nationals vs Mariners same-game parlay (SGP)
MacKenzie Gore Over 7.5 strikeouts
James Wood 2+ total bases
Nationals first five innings moneyline
The Mariners will send Emerson Hancock and his 5.95 ERA to the mound. The struggling right-hander is in the Bottom 10th percentile in expected ERA (5.60) and expected batting average (.317).
Washington outfielder James Wood has emerged as a force in just his second year in the bigs. The towering 22-year-old is slugging .569 while ranking fifth in the majors in total bases (119). He's slashing .333/.406/.602 this month and will have the platoon advantage against Hancock.
The Nats have cashed the first five innings moneyline in six of their last nine games (for +5.8 units and a 60% ROI). Since they boast a significantly better starter tonight, I'll back them on that derivative again.
Nationals vs Mariners odds
Nationals vs Mariners live odds
Nationals vs Mariners opening odds
- Moneyline: Washington -105 | Seattle -115
- Run line: Washington +1.5 (-220) | Seattle -1.5 (+180)
- Over/Under: Over 7.5 (-110) | Under 7.5 (-110)
Nationals vs Mariners trend
The Mariners have cashed the first five innings moneyline in just 22 of their last 54 games (-12.25 units / -17% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Nationals vs. Mariners.
How to watch Nationals vs Mariners and game info
| Location | T-Mobile Park, Seattle, WA |
| Date | Thursday, 5-29-2025 |
| First pitch | 9:40 p.m. ET |
| TV | FS1 |
| Nationals starting pitcher | MacKenzie Gore (2-5, 3.47 ERA) |
| Mariners starting pitcher | Emerson Hancock (2-2, 5.95 ERA) |
Nationals vs Mariners latest injuries
Nationals vs Mariners weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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