Cowser Returns: Orioles Surge Over Mariners

Seattle Mariners vs Baltimore Orioles June 4th 2025

The Baltimore Orioles travel to T-Mobile Park to take on the Seattle Mariners. This night game is set for Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 9:40 PM. Fans can catch the game on MASN.

Interim manager Tony Mansolino leads the Orioles with a season record of 22-36. On the other side, the Mariners, managed by Dan Wilson, hold a record of 32-26. Starting on the mound for the Orioles is Cade Povich, while Emerson Hancock will pitch for the Mariners.

Orioles vs Mariners Key Information

Sport: Baseball
Teams: Baltimore Orioles vs. Seattle Mariners
Venue: T-Mobile Park in Seattle, WA
Date: Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Betting Odds: Mariners MoneyLine -132, Orioles MoneyLine +112

The Orioles Can Win If…

The Baltimore Orioles are coming off a close 3-2 win against the Chicago White Sox. Charlie Morton pitched well, going 6 2/3 innings with no earned runs and seven strikeouts. Key hitters like Ramón Urías and Jackson Holliday contributed with crucial hits to secure the victory.

The Orioles have shown strong hitting capabilities, ranking 13th in home runs with 62 this season. Players like Ryan O’Hearn, who has a .329 batting average, add depth to the lineup. Their ability to hit for power and get on base makes them a threat in any game.

On the mound, Cade Povich will start for the Orioles. While his ERA is 5.29, he has the potential to deliver a solid performance against the Mariners. With Emerson Hancock starting for Seattle, who has an ERA of 5.64, the Orioles have a chance to capitalize on pitching matchups.

The Mariners Can Win If…

The Seattle Mariners secured a narrow 2-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins in their most recent game. Luis Castillo was impressive on the mound, pitching six innings without allowing a run. Cal Raleigh contributed with a home run, while J.P. Crawford added two hits, including a double.

The Mariners’ offense has been effective, ranking 6th in home runs with 79 this season. Their slugging percentage is 9th, showing their ability to hit for power. With players like Cal Raleigh leading in home runs and RBIs, Seattle’s lineup has the potential to produce runs.

Seattle’s pitching has also been strong, with a team ERA of 3.86, placing them 14th in the league. They have managed 23 quality starts, ranking 10th, which highlights their ability to keep games close. Emerson Hancock will take the mound, aiming to build on his last outing and keep the Orioles’ bats in check.

The Lean

The Mariners are favored with a MoneyLine of -132. The Orioles are at +112. The Mariners have a better pitching staff, with an ERA of 3.86 compared to the Orioles’ 5.29. My model projects the Mariners to win with a score of 5-3. The recommendation is to pick the Mariners to win straight up.

The over/under line is set at 8.5. The Mariners’ pitching is strong, and the Orioles have struggled on the mound. My model projects a total score of 8. This suggests taking the under on 8.5 runs is a good choice.

Colton Cowser made a triumphant return to the Orioles’ lineup Tuesday night in Seattle, homering in a 5–1 victory over the Mariners. His first appearance since suffering a broken thumb on Opening Day provided a lift for a Baltimore club that had begun to falter and ultimately replaced its manager. With Cowser back in center field, the three-game set in Seattle took on renewed significance for both teams.

Colton Cowser’s Triumphant Return

Colton Cowser’s first plate appearance back resulted in a towering home run, immediately infusing energy into a lineup that had struggled without him. His broken left thumb, sustained sliding into first base in Game 4, sidelined him for nearly two months. In six minor-league rehab games, Cowser hit .400, but Tuesday’s homer was proof that he can contribute right away. Fans looking for detailed game analyses and future matchup information can explore comprehensive MLB previews to see how Cowser’s return shifts Baltimore’s lineup balance.

Manager Tony Mansolino noted that Cowser’s value goes far beyond his bat. “He can help you win games in a lot of different ways,” Mansolino said, referencing Cowser’s outfield defense, baserunning instincts, and plate discipline. With Cedric Mullins on the injured list (right hamstring strain), Cowser has assumed center field duties, bolstering a defense that had been vulnerable in his absence. More importantly, his presence in the clubhouse—already evidenced by lighthearted moments such as refuting teammate Gunnar Henderson’s claim that he’s “afraid of shrimp”—reinforces a positive team dynamic.

Orioles’ Turnaround Fueled by Young Talent

Baltimore’s season was on life support when Brandon Hyde was relieved of his duties on May 17 at 15–28. Since Mansolino took over, the Orioles have won seven of nine games, including four straight. This winning stretch coincided with improved performances from core players like Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman, but sturdier run support from the top of the order has been crucial. As bettors and analysts weigh Baltimore’s resurgence, they can consult top MLB betting resources for insights on whether this hot streak is sustainable.

Behind the numbers, however, is a roster built for the future. Cowser profiles as a “five-tool” player who can change the game with his arm, speed, and on-base skills. Rutschman’s emergence as one of the game’s premier backstops and Henderson’s breakout power have given Baltimore multiple avenues to generate offense. Even if the Orioles remain mired near the bottom of the AL East standings, these incremental gains signal that the farm system is yielding contributors capable of altering June and July’s narrative.

Managing Cowser’s Workload

After returning from a long layoff, Cowser will be handled on a strict day-to-day basis. Mansolino emphasized that Cowser won’t be “running out there 10 straight days,” opting instead to monitor his thumb and overall conditioning. By spacing out starts or giving him occasional “off days,” Baltimore aims to prevent a setback that could derail his season. For fans interested in leveraging Cowser’s return for wagering purposes, the team’s official channels point to places where you can buy MLB picks tailored to impending matchups.

Despite his eagerness to get back into everyday action, Cowser seems content to let the team’s medical and coaching staff guide his schedule. His disciplined approach at the plate—evident in his ability to draw walks—should help him avoid foul-tip jams on that surgically repaired thumb. Over the next week, his playing time may be capped at four or five innings in center before he transitions into a full workload.

Seattle’s Rotation Concerns

On the Mariners’ side, making his third start of the season, right-hander George Kirby exited Tuesday’s game after five innings not because of arm trouble but due to a bloody lip. A 102.7-mph liner off the bat of Ramón Urías grazed Kirby’s glove before striking his face. Though Kirby insisted it “didn’t even hurt,” the incident underscored the inherent fragility of a rotation still shorthanded. As Seattle attempts to keep pace in the AL West, every start carries elevated weight, especially with their bullpen already taxed by extra-innings losses earlier in the week.

Mariners fans and handicappers tracking the team’s odds can find up-to-date lines and analyses on current MLB picks to see how Kirby’s health and the club’s overall pitching depth impact run lines and moneylines. If Kirby requires a brief stint on the injured list for stitches or simply for precaution, Seattle’s rotation depth—anchored by Logan Gilbert and Emerson Hancock—would be forced into a heavier workload.

Pitching Matchup Preview

For Wednesday’s game, Baltimore will hand the ball to left-hander Cade Povich (1–4, 5.29 ERA). The 23-year-old has yet to secure a win in five consecutive starts, most recently surrendering five runs in 4 2/3 innings against St. Louis. Relying on a mid-90s fastball and a developing slider, Povich needs to establish a consistent feel for his secondary offerings if he hopes to navigate Seattle’s disciplined lineup.

Opposing him is Emerson Hancock (2–2, 5.64 ERA), making his first career start against Baltimore. Hancock features a sinker-heavy arsenal but has struggled with command at times this season. In 5 1/3 innings against Washington, he allowed two runs on two hits, walking three. As handicappers weigh this first-ever head-to-head, they will consult the MLB handicappers’ leaderboard to see which analysts favor Povich’s ground-ball tendencies versus Hancock’s ability to miss bats.

The outcome of this duel will hinge on whether Povich can keep the ball in the yard and limit free passes, and whether Hancock can induce enough grounders to neutralize Baltimore’s top performers—Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman—both of whom have shown an ability to punish mistakes. If Povich works efficiently and Hancock avoids the long ball, a low-scoring affair is possible. Otherwise, either offense could erupt early.

Long-Term Outlook

Colton Cowser’s return represents more than just a temporary boost—it signifies Baltimore’s commitment to integrating its top prospects into the big-league rotation of roles. Even if the Orioles fall short in the AL East this summer, extended runs like their current 7–2 surge lay the groundwork for 2026 contention. For Seattle, maintaining rotation health remains the central challenge. If George Kirby can stay healthy and Emerson Hancock develops consistency, the Mariners will have the pitching depth needed to hold off Houston in a tightly contested division.

Ultimately, Tuesday’s win underscored how a single player’s comeback can influence both clubhouse mojo and on-field performance. With Cowser’s multifaceted skill set and the Orioles’ young core playing with newfound confidence, Baltimore has the potential to turn more heads as June progresses. Meanwhile, Seattle must manage its pitching resources wisely to avoid a slip in the AL West standings. Either way, this series swing has ramifications that will echo through both clubs’ seasons.

Seattle Mariners vs Baltimore Orioles Picks and Predictions June 4th 2025