TORONTO – The Toronto Blue Jays are set to face the Seattle Mariners in the first game of a three-game series on Friday, April 18, 2025, at Rogers Centre. This matchup is part of the popular "Friday Night Baseball" series, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:07 p.m. ET. Fans can catch the action exclusively on Apple TV+, which offers a special promotional rate of $2.99 per month for the first three months.
The Blue Jays (11-8) are coming off a strong performance, having won six of their last ten games. They recently took two of three from the Atlanta Braves, concluding the series with a 3-1 victory on April 16. In that game, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit his first home run of the season, contributing significantly to the team's success. Guerrero, along with Bo Bichette and Andres Gimenez, has been pivotal to the Blue Jays' offensive efforts this season.
Meanwhile, the Mariners (10-9) have been on a roll, winning seven of their last nine games. They recently triumphed over the Cincinnati Reds, 11-7, in a thrilling ten-inning match on April 17, marking their third consecutive series win. Randy Arozarena has emerged as a key player for Seattle, leading the team with 14 RBIs and three home runs in the past week. Cal Raleigh also stands out with eight home runs this season, showcasing the Mariners' powerful lineup.
Tonight’s matchup features two talented starting pitchers: Bryan Woo for the Mariners and Bowden Francis for the Blue Jays. Woo boasts a 2-0 record with a 2.84 ERA, having struck out 18 batters in 19 innings pitched this season. His impressive performance has made him a reliable option for Seattle. On the other hand, Francis, with a 1-2 record and a 3.71 ERA, looks to stabilize the Blue Jays' rotation. He has shown potential but has struggled to keep earned runs at bay, allowing at least two earned runs in each of his starts.
As the Mariners and Blue Jays prepare for this exciting matchup, both teams are looking to improve their standings in their respective divisions. The Blue Jays are currently trailing the New York Yankees by just one game in the AL East, while the Mariners are two games behind the Texas Rangers in the AL West.
Fans attending the game at Rogers Centre can expect a lively atmosphere, as both teams are eager to capitalize on their recent successes. The Mariners have displayed a powerful offense, ranking sixth in the league with 26 home runs, averaging 1.4 home runs per game. Their slugging percentage of .384 ranks them 13th in Major League Baseball.
On the pitching side, the Mariners have a collective ERA of 3.94, placing them 14th in the league, while their WHIP of 1.344 ranks 22nd. The Blue Jays, in contrast, have excelled on the mound with a 3.38 ERA, which ranks fourth in the majors. Their pitchers have combined for a WHIP of 1.080, the third-best in baseball.
Key players to watch include Guerrero Jr., who has been a consistent performer for the Blue Jays, hitting .292 with one home run and ten RBIs. His ability to drive in runs will be critical as Toronto seeks to build momentum against Seattle. Bichette has also been impressive, boasting a .305 batting average with 11 RBIs, making him a significant threat at the plate.
For the Mariners, Arozarena’s recent hot streak makes him a player to keep an eye on. He has been instrumental in Seattle's offensive output, and his ability to come through in clutch situations will be crucial for the Mariners' success. Raleigh's power hitting and Rodriguez’s contributions also add depth to Seattle’s lineup.
The betting odds for tonight's game show the Blue Jays slightly favored with a moneyline of -120 compared to the Mariners at even. The run line is set at -1.5 for the Blue Jays and +1.5 for the Mariners, with an over/under of 8.5 runs.
As the excitement builds for this matchup, fans are encouraged to tune in and witness what promises to be an exhilarating game of baseball. With both teams eager to claim victory, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown at Rogers Centre.
Stay tuned for updates and highlights from this critical series opener as the Mariners look to continue their winning ways against the Blue Jays.
