James Paxton (3-5, 3.93 ERA) and Matt Shoemaker (6-11, 4.08 ERA) start in the last of a three-game series between the Seattle Mariners (56-53) and the Los Angeles Angels (49-61) at Safeco Field. The Mariners won the last game 8-6, and Seattle leads the series 2-0. Action begins at 4:10 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 7 and can be seen on FSW and RTNW.
Paxton pitched 8.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering one run and striking out six in a 2-1 defeat to the Red Sox. Robinson Cano (.295, 71 Rs, 24 HRs, 70 RBIs) went 1 for 5 yesterday with one RBI. Shoemaker went 7.0 innings, surrendering two runs, striking out four and walking three in a 5-4 win over the Athletics in his most recent start. Mike Trout (.319, 88 Rs, 21 HRs, 74 RBIs, 17 SBs) has been successful at the plate for the Angels, going 2 for 3 yesterday with two runs, one home run, and four RBIs.
Seattle is a -128 favorite against Los Angeles and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at eight runs. The Mariners have an overall money line of -352 and a record as the favorite of 30-29. Seattle has had a discouraging season against division opponents, earning records of 8-16 and 17-24 as the favorite and SU, respectively.
In the other locker room, Los Angeles is coming in with an overall money line of -1,117 and a disappointing record of 25-39 as the underdog. They have played poorly as the underdog with a 10-13 record against fellow AL West members, and a 5-5 record SU.
The Mariners have a 40-29 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Shoemaker takes the mound. Paxton (LHP) will be on the hill against the Angels, who have a 15-16 record against left-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – SEA, O/U – Over
Notes
When leading after seven innings, Seattle is 26-25, while Los Angeles is 20-31.
The Angels managed to give up six walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Mariners who are heading in with an 11-5 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Angels are 6-46. The Mariners have a 12-37 record when opponents outhit them.
Los Angeles ranks near the bottom of the league at 25th when it comes to home runs, hitting 106 this season. Seattle ranks in the top five with 156.
Ranking ninth, Seattle is in the top 10 of the league in hits, notching 8.79 per game. Los Angeles ranks in the top five at third with 9.13.
Ranking 13th, Los Angeles is in the top half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.747). Seattle ranks in the top 10 at eighth with an OPS of .763.
The Angels are 27-50 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Mariners are 38-43 when they allow at least one homer.
