Felix Hernandez (4-3, 2.21 ERA) and Pat Dean (0-1, 3.86 ERA) take the hill in the first of a three-game series between the Seattle Mariners (28-18) and the Minnesota Twins (12-34) at Safeco Field. Action begins at 10:10 p.m. ET on Friday, May. 27 and can be seen on FSN and RTNW.
Hernandez pitched 6.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering zero runs, striking out five and walking three in a 4-0 win over the Reds. Robinson Cano (.295, 31 Rs, 14 HRs, 43 RBIs) had another good game Wednesday, going 2 for 5 with two runs, one home run, and one RBI. Dean went 6.0 innings, surrendering two runs, striking out five and walking three in a 5-3 win over the Blue Jays in his last outing. Eduardo Nunez (.314, 17 Rs, 4 HRs, 19 RBIs, 8 SBs) has been successful at the plate, going 3 for 5 Wednesday with one run, one home run, and two RBIs.
Notes
Minnesota has won 29% (5-12) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Seattle has won 62% (13-8) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Twins are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Mariners have a 7-11 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Twins are 8-5. The Mariners have a 23-4 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 27th, Minnesota sits near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 167 this season. Seattle ranks in the top five with 220.
Ranking 26th, Minnesota is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.678). Seattle ranks in the top 10 at ninth with an OPS of .760.
When the Twins allow at least one home run, they are 8-26. When the Mariners allow one or more homers, they have a 19-13 record.
