Felix Hernandez (6-4, 3.55 ERA) and the Seattle Mariners (58-53) meet Justin Verlander (12-6, 3.52 ERA) and the Detroit Tigers (61-51) in the last of a three-game series at Safeco Field. The Mariners won the last game 6-5, and Seattle leads the series 2-0. The game gets underway at 10:10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Aug. 10 and will air on FSDT and RTNW.
In his last start, Hernandez pitched 8.0 innings, allowing four runs, striking out six and walking three in a 6-4 victory over the Angels. Nelson Cruz (.279, 62 Rs, 27 HRs, 70 RBIs) played well again yesterday, going 2 for 3 with one run. The Tigers were also victorious the last time Verlander pitched. He had a good outing, pitching 6.0 innings, giving up two runs, striking out nine and walking one in a 4-3 victory over the Mets. Miguel Cabrera (.308, 64 Rs, 25 HRs, 74 RBIs) went 1 for 4 yesterday.
Seattle is favored by a slight -110 margin in its matchup against Detroit. The teams combine to set the Over/Under (O/U) at seven runs. When playing as the favorite, the Mariners have a 32-29 record and overall money line at -43. Over the last 10 games, they have a very good record when playing as the favorite (3-1). The Mariners rank third in the majors in home runs with 156. Over their past 10 games, Seattle’s pitchers have been playing lights out, only allowing 2.9 runs per game, below their season average of 4.3. An area where the Mariners are particularly strong at home is striking batters out, where they average 8.8 K’s per home game.
On the other side, the Tigers have a record of 30-39 when they are the underdog and are +1,501 overall with the money line. Detroit’s pitching staff has allowed an average of 3.4 runs per game during the last 10 games, lower than their season average of 4.6.
In their previous five games this season, the Tigers have a 4-1 record. This game will feature Verlander (RHP) on the mound against the Mariners, who have a 42-29 record when they take on a right-handed starter. The right-handed Hernandez will take the mound against the Tigers, who have a 45-35 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – SEA, O/U – Over
Notes
Seattle 4-0-1 SU in its last 5 games.
Seattle 4-0-1 SU in its last 5 games at home.
Seattle is 1-4-1 SU in its last 6 games, when playing Detroit.
The Tigers lost their last game by a one-run margin. In games decided by one run, the Mariners are 18-21. The Tigers are 20-12 in close games this season.
Seattle has won 51% (26-25) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Detroit has won 58% (30-22) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Tigers didn’t score any runs in their last game. The Mariners have a 7-0 record when they don’t allow any runs.
When they are outhit, the Tigers are 10-36. The Mariners have a 12-37 record when opponents outhit them.
Detroit ranks in the top 10 of the league at eighth when it comes to home runs, hitting 145 this season. Seattle ranks in the top five with 156.
Ranking ninth, Seattle is in the top 10 of the league in hits, notching 8.77 per game. Detroit ranks in the top five at second with 9.21.
Seattle and Detroit both rank in the top 10 of the league for their on-base plus slugging percentage. Seattle sits at eighth with an OPS of .760, and Detroit ranks sixth with an OPS of .768.
When the Tigers allow at least one home run, they are 32-35, well-matched with the Mariners who are 38-43 when allowing at least one homer.
