Extreme heat and howling winds made for a home-run heaven for hitters, but it wreaked havoc on defenders and even got dangerous, with an umpire and Mariners pitcher leaving the game.

The Mariners lost to the Cubs in a game that featured five home runs, surely aided some by the wind, some erratic fielding and a couple of scary moments.

Oppressive heat coupled with wind blowing out to center field figured to initially serve as the backdrop of Saturday’s Cubs-Mariners game from a strictly baseball standpoint.

Former Cubs great Sammy Sosa, who once was the face of Chicago’s Friendly Confines, made his long-anticipated return to the place he used to hit towering home runs and flash his big smile.

Famed slugger Sammy Sosa made his long-anticipated return to Wrigley Field on Friday -- his first official appearance at the stadium in 21 years -- for the Chicago Cubs ' home contest against the Seattle Mariners (SEA-CHC GameTracker ).

The relationship between Sammy Sosa and the Chicago Cubs has been contentious since his ugly departure in 2004, but the two sides have now reconciled.

The Seattle Mariners (37-36) and Chicago Cubs (45-29) begin a 3-game series Friday. First pitch from Wrigley Field in Chicago is set for 2:20 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's MLB odds around the Mariners vs. Cubs odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Preview the June 22 matchup between the Seattle Mariners and Chicago Cubs with odds over/under, game spread, betting lines and more.