In the first of a three-game series between the Seattle Mariners (9-9) and the Houston Astros (6-13) at Safeco Field, Taijuan Walker (1-0, 1.50 ERA) and Doug Fister (1-2, 5.94 ERA) get the start. The game gets underway at 10:10 p.m. ET on Monday, Apr. 25 and will air on RTSW and RTNW.
In his most recent outing, Walker pitched 6.0 innings, allowing one runs (one unearned) and striking out six in a 2-1 victory over the Indians. Seth Smith (.308, 7 Rs, 2 HRs, 7 RBIs) kept up his strong start yesterday, going 2 for 5 with two runs, one home run, and two RBIs. The Astros were unsuccessful the last time Fister pitched. He had a good outing, pitching 6.0 innings, allowing two runs, striking out one and walking two in a 2-1 loss to the Rangers. Jose Altuve (.316, 17 Rs, 5 HRs, 11 RBIs, 9 SBs) has been hitting the ball well, going 2 for 6 yesterday with two stolen bases.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. The Mariners have a SU record of 0-3 against teams in their division. Over their past 10 games, Seattle’s offense has been playing lights out, averaging 0.0 runs per game, well over their season average of 0.0. Seattle’s pitching staff has put it all together in the past 10 games. Its average runs allowed per game dropped to 0.0 during that span, compared to its 0.0 season average. The Mariners don’t give up many walks to opposing batters at Safeco Field, ranking second in 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. The Astros are known for their power, smashing 27 home runs. The Astros have racked up 17 steals on the year, making them the most threatening base-running team in the league. 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. They also allow just 2.5 walks per game, good for fifth in the AL.
Predictions: SU Winner – HOU
Notes
For the second time this season, the Astros registered at least two errors in a game.
The Mariners are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Astros have a 1-5 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When they are outhit, the Astros are 0-10. The Mariners have a 1-7 record when opponents outhit them.
Seattle ranks in the top 10 of the league when it comes to home runs, hitting 24 this season. Houston ranks in the top five at fourth with 27.
Seattle and Houston both rank near the bottom of the league in hits. Seattle sits at 24th with 7.67 hits per game and Houston ranks 22nd with 7.89.
Ranking 22nd, Seattle is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.692). Houston ranks in the top half at 13th with an OPS of .759.
The Astros are 4-10 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Mariners are 7-6 when they allow at least one homer.
