Small market. Late start times. No marquee stars. These are among the reasons why the Mariners don't get the respect they deserve. 

All the Mariners have done is go 82-69. They have a winning road mark and have earned more money for bettors than any team in the American League. 

This is the third of a four-game series between Seattle and Oakland. The Mariners have been 'dogs the first two games - and won them both. Now they are underdogs again.
 
Since the All-Star break the Mariners have beaten the A's seven of eight times. I'm compelled to ride Seattle in another underdog role here. 
Oakland was 6-3 in its previous nine games heading into this series. However, the A's had compiled that record against the Rangers, Royals and Angels. Those three teams are a combined 62 games below .500. 

It can be tough to play at Oakland Coliseum. But the A's are drawing small crowds and Seattle is used to playing in a pitcher's park. So the A's don't hold the home advantage they should in this matchup. 

The pitching matchup is Chris Flexen (12-6 with a 3.66 ERA) versus Cole Irvin (10-13, 3.94 ERA). But this is an action play for me.