Under 8 Runs: Griffin Warner’s Best MLB Friday Bet Breakdown

In a focused segment on RJ Bell’s Dream Preview, betting analyst Griffin Warner delivers his top MLB bet of the week: the under 8 total runs in the Mariners vs. Rangers matchup. This article unpacks Warner’s reasoning, based exclusively on his remarks, with emphasis on pitcher evaluations, team performance trends, and contextual insights, arranged by timestamp for clarity.

 The Bet: Under 8 Total Runs

Griffin Warner opens confidently by selecting the under 8 runs market for the Mariners vs. Rangers game. It's a conservative projection expecting a low-scoring contest, shaped by the pitching matchup, team offensive struggles, and park tendencies.

Timestamp: 0:00–0:05
“I’m going under 8 in the Mariners-Rangers game.”

? Nathan Eovaldi: Trust Amidst Risk

Although Eovaldi is just returning from the injured list (IL), Warner makes a strong case for trusting him. With a history of injuries, Eovaldi is no stranger to bouncing back—something Warner believes gives him an edge others might lack.

Timestamp: 0:06–0:15
“It’s a little bit scary to back a pitcher coming off the IL... maybe Nivaldi’s been hurt so much in his career... if there’s anyone capable of throwing a good outing coming off the IL, it is he.”

 Rangers Bullpen: Reliable, For Now

Texas’ bullpen has recently performed well, but Warner warns this trend may not hold long-term. His bet banks on current bullpen form without banking on its longevity.

Timestamp: 0:16–0:22
“Bullpen’s been pretty good for the Rangers. I don’t really trust that to last...”

Bochy’s Bullpen Mastery

Manager Bruce Bochy, known for managing pitching staffs effectively, earns a nod from Warner. Even with uncertainties, Bochy’s historical success handling bullpens supports a bullish view on the Rangers' relievers—at least for now.

Timestamp: 0:23–0:25
“Bruce Bochy has been a bullpen whisperer in the past...”

 Logan Gilbert: A Personal Favorite

Warner expresses particular confidence in Logan Gilbert, labeling him as one of his favorite pitchers. Gilbert’s consistency adds a stabilizing factor for this bet.

Timestamp: 0:26–0:28
“Logan Gilbert’s one of my favorite pitchers...”

? Mariners Offense: Cold Streak Continues

Seattle’s inability to generate offense—evident in their recent loss to Minnesota—contributes to Warner’s under bet. Their lack of scoring power is a crucial part of his logic.

Timestamp: 0:29–0:32
“...even if the Mariners are unable to score some runs, which they did struggle with on Wednesday...”

 Rangers Offense: Muted Expectations

Warner doesn’t expect Texas to light up the scoreboard either, creating a mutual offensive slowdown scenario.

Timestamp: 0:33–0:34
“...I think the Rangers are going to struggle to put up some runs themselves.”

? Venue Matters: Unders All Year

The game’s setting plays a decisive role. Warner identifies the park as an “under park,” with a year-long trend favoring low scores—making the total run line even more attractive.

Timestamp: 0:35–0:37
“Under park, it’s been screaming unders all year...”

Final Analysis: Pitching Will Prevail

Warner succinctly wraps up his reasoning, combining confidence in both starters and diminished offensive potential across both teams.

Timestamp: 0:38–0:42
“Let’s go Mariners and Logan Gilbert at the Texas Rangers. Nathan Nivaldi, we’ll go under 8 runs.”

 Reaffirmation: The Best Bet

Warner labels this wager as the strongest on the episode, reaffirming its importance.

Timestamp: 0:43–0:50
“It’s my best bet on this episode.”

 Stats and Strategy Recap

• Nathan Eovaldi: Coming off IL; trusted for solid return based on history.

• Logan Gilbert: Stable starter; strong pick for limiting runs.

• Rangers Bullpen: Recently solid; coached by Bruce Bochy.

• Mariners: Offensively cold, notably vs. Minnesota.

• Venue: Consistently low scoring—supports the under play.