Cal Raleigh's two-run home run in the first inning sparked a six-run rally for the Seattle Mariners, who triumphed 8-3 over the Toronto Blue Jays. This win secured the series victory for Seattle in a three-game set. Raleigh's ninth home run ties him for the major-league lead. Rowdy Tellez contributed a pinch-hit homer in the seventh, marking his third in the series.

Seattle's 12 hits overwhelmed the Blue Jays, despite a strong debut from Toronto reliever Paxton Schultz, who struck out eight batters. The Mariners' offensive surge was propelled by Dylan Moore's first-inning leadoff blast, followed closely by Raleigh's shot. Starter Luis Castillo lasted five innings, allowing three runs, while the Mariners recorded 18 strikeouts overall, showcasing a mixed performance against Blue Jays pitching.

April 9, 2025, presents a fresh slate of MLB action, with several intriguing strikeout prop bets for astute bettors. Tylor Megill of the New York Mets stands out with an over/under of 6.5 strikeouts against the Miami Marlins. Megill boasts a robust strikeout rate and faces a Marlins lineup that has been prone to striking out against right-handed pitchers.

Meanwhile, Max Meyer, also in the same matchup, sees an over/under of 5.5 strikeouts. His impressive early-season K% makes betting on the over a compelling choice. Shota Imanaga of the Chicago Cubs looks to bounce back with an over/under of 5.5 strikeouts, supported by favorable matchup metrics.

With MLB's 2025 season kicking off, it's time to assess the Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) landscape. Eight games are slated for Friday evening, providing ample opportunity for lineup optimization. Key pitching options include Luis Castillo of the Seattle Mariners, who despite a mediocre ERA last year, thrived in his home ballpark. Jeffrey Springs, newly with the Athletics, is another compelling choice, boasting a remarkable ERA from his previous season. For budget-friendly hitters, Yainer Diaz stands out as a catcher with impressive OPS figures against right-handers, while rookie Griffin Conine offers upside against a struggling Miami lineup.

As for stacking options, consider the Diamondbacks' trio of Corbin Carroll, Ketel Marte, and Josh Naylor against Cubs pitcher Jameson Taillon, whose past performances suggest vulnerability. Similarly, the Pirates’ Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds are solid candidates against the Marlins, especially with Miami's lackluster starting pitching. Overall, a strategic approach based on past performances and current matchups could lead to successful DFS lineups this early in the season.

The Seattle Mariners are ramping up their preparations for the 2024 season, showcasing their starting pitchers in early spring training. In a recent split-squad game against the San Francisco Giants, Bryce Miller impressed with a solid performance, pitching 1.2 innings, allowing no hits and striking out three batters. Miller's fastball reached an impressive 98 mph, while he continues to develop a new cutter with notable vertical and horizontal movement.

Despite facing a lineup mostly composed of Giants' backups, Miller's outing signals he's ready for the regular season starting March 27. Other Mariners pitchers, including Logan Gilbert, Luis Castillo, and George Kirby, have also seen action in spring training, indicating the team's depth in starting rotation. With a 2.94 ERA last season, Miller is one to watch as he aims to build on his previous success.

The San Francisco Giants actively pursued a trade for Seattle Mariners pitcher Luis Castillo during the offseason, according to reports. The Giants aimed to bolster their rotation after losing Blake Snell to free agency, ultimately acquiring Justin Verlander on a one-year deal instead. Castillo, a seasoned right-hander, has been a target for various teams, notably the Boston Red Sox, but the Mariners resisted proposals involving Triston Casas. Despite trade talks, Castillo is set to remain in Seattle's rotation, which features talents like Bryan Woo and George Kirby, indicating a formidable pitching lineup for the upcoming season.