Seattle Mariners @ Chicago Cubs - June 21, 2025

As a seasoned bettor, I’ve seen my fair share of matchups that can swing either way, but this Saturday’s game at Wrigley Field is shaping up to favor the Cubs. The Seattle Mariners are coming into town, and while they’ve had their moments this season—most recently handing the Cubs a loss—this matchup presents an opportunity for Chicago to capitalize on home-field advantage.

Let’s break it down. On the mound for the Mariners is Emerson Hancock, who holds a 3-2 record with a 4.0 ERA. He’s certainly no slouch, boasting a healthy strikeout rate that suggests he can get batters out when needed. But here’s where I smell blood: his ERA could be slightly inflated due to some tougher outings earlier this season. When you look at his stats closely, there have been games where he’s given up runs in bunches—something that might not sit well against an aggressive Cubs lineup.

On the other side, we have Cade Horton taking the hill for the Cubs with a respectable 3-1 record and an even better ERA of 3.6. Horton has been consistent and quietly effective in recent starts; he’s managed to keep opposing hitters off balance with a variety of pitches that seem to be working well for him lately.

When we talk about run production, the Cubs are averaging over 5 runs per game compared to Seattle’s modest 4.3 runs. The Cubs also boast superior batting averages and on-base percentages—indicating both discipline at the plate and timely hitting opportunities that often translate into scoring chances.

Now let’s dig into those betting trends because they’re as telling as any stat sheet out there. The Mariners are currently struggling against the spread (4-10 in their last 14) and have been especially weak on the road (1-8 ATS). Meanwhile, despite Chicago’s recent struggles (1-4 ATS), being back at home gives them an edge—especially considering how tough Wrigley Field can be for visiting teams.

Looking at both teams’ recent encounters, it seems like Chicago has had trouble finding its rhythm against Seattle lately; however, based on current form and player performance metrics, I’d bank on them reversing their fortunes this time around.

In terms of total runs scored (the Over/Under opened at 12), I’m leaning towards under here too. With two solid pitchers taking charge today and both offenses showing signs of inconsistency along with fluctuating performances lately, I foresee this game being more strategically played than one filled with big offensive fireworks.

So here’s my prediction: I see the Chicago Cubs bouncing back strong today against the Mariners with a victory likely coming by just a couple of runs—a final score perhaps hovering around something like 5-3 or maybe even lower if both pitchers deliver solid outings.

Remember folks: never underestimate Wrigley Field magic combined with solid pitching! Always trust your gut—and maybe do a little pre-game ritual before placing those bets!