Mariners vs Reds Prediction Today | MLB Odds, Picks for Wednesday, September 6

The Reds are throwing a wrench in the Mariners' playoff plans, as they've taken the first two games of this series and have a chance to pull off a sweep. That would be a big blow to Seattle in the standings.

However, that's much easier said than done, as the Mariners will continue to hold a sizable edge on the mound — although we've seen multiple parts of this great Mariners pitching staff falter in this series.

So, can Logan Gilbert get the Mariners back on track? Or will the Reds continue to play spoiler down the stretch?

Let's dive in to find out and uncover the best bet for this matchup along the way.

Seattle has been a mainstay at the top of the league in terms of xWOBACON. This means the Mariners have been making consistent hard contact all season, and they finally began to reap the rewards in the second half.

Their hot streak vaulted them for a while to the top of the AL West, and they're now in a three-horse race for the division crown.

The man who's led them to this point is sophomore superstar Julio Rodriguez. J-Rod has had an incredible second half, as he's hitting .352 with a 1.058 OPS since the All-Star break.

He and the Mariners will have a solid opportunity to provide early run support, with the Reds' starter being Lyon Richardson.

Richardson has made just three big league starts and has yet to be truly successful in an outing. Command has been a big issue, as he's walked 11 batters in just 12 innings pitched. The pitches in the zone have also been a problem, as they've been punished.

While we shouldn't expect much from Richardson in this outing, the Reds' bullpen has gotten it together lately, and the unit may be able to put out the fire if he gets in trouble in the middle innings.

The Reds have been an offensive juggernaut in this series, as they've scored 13 runs in the first two games.

However, things should begin to balance out in the series finale.

The first thing that means is that the Reds' lineup will cool off. Yes, they get a big boost from playing in Great American Ball Park, but as a team, they're due for sizable regression in the power department.

Plus, they're relying on a ton of very young but talented players. The only veteran in their lineup is Hunter Renfroe, while six of their regulars are first- or second-year players. Their energy has given the lineup a boost, but it can only be sustained for so long.

Lastly, the Mariners' bullpen is going to put it together. Seattle's bullpen has the third-best collective ERA in the majors and is also third-best in FIP, so their regression is not sizable and shouldn't last long.

However, before them, we should trust Gilbert. The 26-year-old right-hander is having a solid season — as his command has improved — and it has led to a significant jump in strikeouts, which will be a theme for this green Reds lineup.

While this matchup is taking place in Coors Field East, the total is a bit too high, despite what we've seen the last two days. Yes, the Mariners have a chance to rock Richardson, but the Reds' bullpen should piece things together if he can give them five innings.

On the other side, the Mariners' staff is going to get right in this matchup. Gilbert is in a great spot to be the stopper tonight, and he'll have one of the league's best pens to pick up wherever he leaves off.

Take the under.