The set-up: The Seattle Mariners open a four-game home series with the NY Yankees having won six of their last seven games to reach the .500 mark (48-48). Seattle now sits just 1 1/2 games behind the 48-45 Yankees, who currently hold down the second wild-card spot. The Mariners completed a 5-1 road trip with a 4-1 victory over the Houston Astros on Wednesday and now have their next 10 contests scheduled for Safeco Field. New York lost to Minnesota 6-1 on Wednesday, one day after acquiring third baseman Todd Frazier (0-for-1, hit by pitch) and relievers David Robertson (didn't pitch) and Tommy Kahnle (one scoreless inning) from the Chicago White Sox. The Yankees are counting on this trade to kick-start a winning streak, as since mid-June, the Yankees have been in a funk (10-22 their last 32 games).

The pitching matchup: Luis Severino (5-4 & 3.40 ERA) opens for the Yankees while the Mariners send Felix Hernandez (5-3 & 4.20 ERA) to the mound. Severino was an AL All Star but enters this contest win-less in his last six starts (he's 0-2 and the Yanks are 2-4). Severino allowed four runs on eight hits over 5 2/3 innings in a loss to Seattle back on April 15, 2016, his lone appearance against the Mariners. "King Felix" has won his last two outings and is 3-1 with a 3.72 ERA in five starts (team is 3-2) since returning from the disabled list. He's made 20 career starts against New York, going 10-6 with a 3.13 ERA (Mariners are 11-9).

The pick: The Mariners are playing with confidence right now and this contest opens a 10-game homestand. Confidence is not a word associated with the Yankees right now and I'll take this rare opportunity to get "King Felix" plus 1 1/2 runs (at home!), making Seattle a 10* play.