Nathan Karns (1-1, 5.28 ERA) and the Seattle Mariners (10-9) meet Dallas Keuchel (2-2, 3.71 ERA) and the Houston Astros (6-14) in the second of a three-game division series at Safeco Field. The Mariners won the last game 3-2, and Seattle leads the series 1-0. The game starts at 10:10 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Apr. 26 and will air on RTSW and RTNW.
In his most recent outing, Karns pitched 5.1 innings, giving up five runs (one unearned), striking out five and walking four in a 10-7 victory over the Indians. Robinson Cano (.224, 10 Rs, 6 HRs, 15 RBIs) went 1 for 3 yesterday with one RBI. The Astros were unsuccessful against the Rangers 7-4 the last time Keuchel pitched. He went 6.0 innings, allowing six runs and striking out five. Jose Altuve (.321, 17 Rs, 5 HRs, 11 RBIs, 9 SBs) has been hitting the ball well, going 2 for 5 yesterday.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. The Mariners have a SU record of 0-3 against teams in their division. The most recent 10-game stretch for the Mariners has gone great. Over that span, Seattle is averaging 0.0 runs per game, well over their season average of 0.0. Over their past 10 games, Seattle’s pitchers have been playing lights out, only allowing 0.0 runs per game, below their season average of 0.0. The Mariners don’t give up many walks at home to opposing batters at Safeco Field, leading the AL with only 1.7 walks allowed per home game.
During the last 10 games, they averaged 0.0 runs per game, above their 0.0 season average. Houston is one of the top home-run-hitting teams in the league with 27 home runs. Houston is a terror on the base paths, with an MLB-best 18 stolen bases. Houston’s pitching staff has allowed an average of 0.0 runs per game during the last 10 games, lower than their season average of 0.0.
The only other game between the two teams went Seattle’s way.
Predictions: SU Winner – HOU
Notes
The Astros lost their last game by a one-run margin. In games decided by one run, the Mariners are 3-5. The Astros are 2-4 in close games this season.
The Mariners are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Astros have a 1-6 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
It looks like the Mariners have a slight leg up on the Astros, as the Mariners have won their last two games while the Astros have lost their last two.
When they outhit their opponents, the Astros are 5-3. The Mariners have a 7-2 record when outhitting opponents.
Tied at 16th for total runs, Seattle and Houston have each notched 78 runs this season.
Seattle and Houston both rank in the top 10 of the league in walks. Seattle sits at 10th with 64 this season and Houston ranks seventh with 69.
When the Mariners hit at least one home run, they are 9-6. When the Astros hit at least one homer, they have a 5-11 record.
