Jake Odorizzi (3-3, 3.47 ERA) and Taijuan Walker (3-6, 3.48 ERA) are on the hill in the first of a three-game series between the Tampa Bay Rays (29-32) and the Seattle Mariners (34-29) at Tropicana Field. Action begins at 7:10 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Jun. 14 and can be seen on SUN and RTNW.
Odorizzi pitched 5.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering three runs, striking out eight and walking three in a 6-3 win over the Diamondbacks. Evan Longoria (.279, 36 Rs, 15 HRs, 37 RBIs) had another good game Sunday, going 2 for 4 with one RBI. Walker went 8.0 innings, surrendering zero runs and striking out 11 in a 5-0 win over the Indians in his most recent start. Robinson Cano (.295, 48 Rs, 18 HRs, 51 RBIs) has been successful at the plate for the Mariners, going 2 for 5 Sunday with one run and one RBI.
Notes
Tampa Bay has won 48% (12-13) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Seattle has won 61% (17-11) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Mariners managed to give up six walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Rays who are heading in with a 4-2 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Rays are 19-5. The Mariners have a 27-7 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 21st, Tampa Bay is near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 255 this season. Seattle ranks in the top five at fourth with 315.
Ranking 11th, Tampa Bay is in the top half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.747). Seattle ranks in the top 10 at sixth with an OPS of .772.
The Mariners are 22-23 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Rays are 14-29 when they allow at least one homer.
