Mariners vs Pirates Preview: Woo Faces Ashcraft in Week 65 Showdown

Bryan Woo is ready to pitch for the Mariners tonight. The 25-year-old All-Star made his MLB debut in 2023 and has already earned a spot at this year's All-Star Game. That's huge! Woo sits at 1-2 on the season with a 5.23 ERA. He'll face a Pirates lineup hungry after yesterday's 3-2 loss. The Mariners' pitching staff runs deep with talent. Logan Gilbert and Luis Castillo lead the rotation. George Kirby, Bryce Miller, and Woo provide excellent depth. This consistency makes Seattle's pitchers some of the most reliable in baseball. Closer Andrés Muñoz saved 38 games last year with a 1.73 ERA. He's a weapon in the ninth inning.

Pittsburgh lost a tough game yesterday, 3-2, but they're ready to bounce back tonight. The Pirates' pitching is built around star pitcher Paul Skenes. He's one of the best in baseball right now. Mitch Keller provides stability as a reliable top-of-the-rotation arm. Tonight, Braxton Ashcraft takes the ball for Pittsburgh. The bullpen has Dennis Santana as closer, with Gregory Soto and Isaac Mattson handling important middle innings. Both teams are 39-39 heading into tonight, locked in the middle of the season. Yesterday, Kyle Young and Cal Raleigh both went deep for Seattle. Oneil Cruz is out with hand fractures, so Pittsburgh's lineup looks different.

Here's what's on the line tonight at PNC Park. Both Seattle and Pittsburgh are 39-39, tied right down the middle. Yesterday, Young and Raleigh hit home runs to give the Mariners the win. Tonight, the Mariners bring their deep pitching staff. Seattle's strength is consistency—the rotation is solid from top to bottom. Pittsburgh leans on Skenes as their superstar. When he pitches, the Pirates can beat anyone. But tonight, Woo gets the ball for Seattle. The Mariners also have Randy Arozarena back, serving as DH. This matchup is close. Both teams need wins to build momentum heading into the second half.