MLB picks, predictions, best bets for Friday, June 13: Cubs vs Pirates, Mariners vs Guardians and more

As MLB action continues to heat up, there are several interesting matchups lined up on Friday, June 13. Some of them include the Chicago Cubs taking on the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Seattle Mariners locking horns with the Cleveland Guardians.

As such, fans are sure to receive plenty of baseball action. For those interested in betting on baseball games, here's a summary on what to expect from upcoming MLB games.

MLB picks, predictions, best bets for Friday, June 13

#1 Cubs vs Pirates

Prediction: Cubs 5, Pirates 2

Best Bet: Cubs Moneyline (-114)

The Pirates haven't been particularly at their best on offense this MLB season when Paul Skenes (4-6, 1.88 ERA) has been on the mound.

Despite the reigning NL rookie of the year's presence on the mound against them, the Cubs should take the win, as the Pirates are not expected to score more than two runs.

#2 Mariners vs Guardians

Prediction: Mariners 4, Guardians 2

Best Bet: Under 7.5 Runs

Luis Castillo and Gavin Williams are strong starters, so it will be a pitching duel between them.

It could be a tight, low-scoring game, as the Guardians have struggled on the road, particularly against right-handed pitching, while Seattle's offense isn't overpowering either.

The Mariners should capitalize on their home-field advantage and come out on top.

#3 Astros vs Twins

Prediction: Astros 6, Twins 4

Best Bet: Astros Moneyline (-120)

Chris Paddack is having a good year, but the Astros have the offense to take the righty down. Meanwhile, lefty Colton Gordon should bounce back against the Twins after a rough start to the season.

#4 Mets vs Rays

Prediction: Mets 6, Rays 4

Best Bet: Over 8.5 Runs

Rays starter Taj Bradley (4.58 ERA) faces a loaded Mets lineup led by Juan Soto, Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor. With Soto heating through the cracks and Alonso having a fine year, the ominous trio could lead the Mets to victory.

It also helps that the Mets have a reliable starter in Clay Holmes.

#5 Royals vs Athletics

Prediction: Royals 7, Athletics 3

Best Bet: Royals -1.5

Athletics' Luis Severino has had command issues this season, while Michael Wacha is quietly stitching together a quality campaign. The Royals have a good hitting unit, so it shouldn't be tough for them to score on Severino in a flash.

Quick Predictions for Other Friday MLB Games

Blue Jays at Phillies: Phillies 5, Blue Jays 3

Yankees at Red Sox: Yankees 6, Red Sox 4

Angels at Orioles: Orioles 7, Angels 5

Reds at Tigers: Tigers 5, Reds 4

Rockies at Braves: Braves 9, Rockies 2

White Sox at Rangers: Rangers 6, White Sox 1

Cardinals at Brewers: Brewers 4, Cardinals 3

Padres at Diamondbacks: Padres 5, Diamondbacks 4

Giants at Dodgers: Dodgers 6, Giants 2

About the author

Krutik Jain is a journalist who has been reporting on baseball at Sportskeeda since 2022. It was in 2018 when the baseball bug bit Krutik, and already a cricket fan, he credits baseball's rules and Clayton Kershaw's pitching to have hooked him to the game.

A Kershaw and Mookie Betts fan, Krutik rates his favorite team LA Dodgers triumphing over Tampa Bay Rays in the 2020 World Series as his best baseball moment so far. His answer to the perennial "one player from the past you could meet" question is Jackie Robinson. Despite never having seen him play, Robinson's impact, legacy and trail-blazing journey have left an indelible impact on Krutik.

A rigorous fact-checker, Krutik likes reporting on the technical aspects of the game as well as off-field elements. When not watching baseball, Krutik is busy playing cricket, staying up to date with the happenings around the world and hiking.

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Edited by Bhargav