Hisashi Iwakuma (6-6, 4.45 ERA) and the Seattle Mariners (38-38) go up against Jonathon Niese (6-5, 4.93 ERA) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (37-40) in the first of a two-game interleague series at Safeco Field. The game gets underway at 10:10 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Jun. 28 and will air on RTNW and RTPT.
In his last start, Iwakuma pitched 4.2 innings, allowing five runs, striking out five and walking three in a 5-1 loss to the Tigers. Nelson Cruz (.285, 45 Rs, 19 HRs, 51 RBIs) continued his strong season Sunday, going 2 for 4 with one run, one home run, and two RBIs. The Pirates were also unsuccessful the last time Niese pitched. He did not do well, pitching 6.0 innings, giving up five runs, striking out four and walking two in a 5-3 loss to the Giants. Starling Marte (.326, 39 Rs, 6 HRs, 29 RBIs, 20 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run and one RBI.
Notes
Pittsburgh has won 42% (15-21) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Seattle has won 53% (18-16) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Pirates managed to give up seven walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Mariners who are heading in with a 5-2 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Pirates are 26-8. The Mariners have a 30-8 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 13th, Pittsburgh sits in the top half of the league in runs, scoring 354 this season. Seattle ranks in the top 10 at seventh with 370.
Ranking 13th, Pittsburgh is in the top half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.753). Seattle ranks in the top 10 at seventh with an OPS of .767.
The Pirates are 20-32 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Mariners are 24-30 when they allow at least one homer.
