Mariners vs. Red Sox prediction: Odds, recent stats, trends, and best bets on August 31

The Mariners (64-73) and Red Sox (74-63) kick off a three-game series at Fenway Park on August 31, with both trying to recover from rough weekends while chasing a postseason spot. Seattle enters after being swept by the Blue Jays in Toronto, losing four straight overall; the team has scored just four runs in its past four games and been shut out twice in four. The pitching staff allowed 19 runs in Toronto, leaving the Mariners five games behind Houston in the NL West and five back of Cleveland for the final Wild Card. Boston, coming off three losses in four to the Yankees, is 8.5 games behind the Rays and four back of the top Wild Card. Seattle’s George Kirby (9-10, 4.02 ERA) faces rookie lefty Payton Tolle (8-6, 3.09 ERA), with Tolle highlighted for strong August starts.