In the last of a three-game series between the Seattle Mariners (27-18) and the Oakland Athletics (20-27) at Safeco Field, Hisashi Iwakuma (2-4, 4.39 ERA) and Zach Neal (0-0, 9.00 ERA) get the start. The Mariners won the last game 6-5, and the series is currently tied 1-1. The game gets underway at 10:10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May. 25 and will air on CSCA and RTNW.
In his last start, Iwakuma pitched 6.0 innings, allowing three runs, striking out six and walking three in an 8-3 victory over the Reds. Robinson Cano (.292, 29 Rs, 13 HRs, 42 RBIs) continued his strong season yesterday, going 2 for 4 with one run, one home run, and three RBIs. The Athletics were unsuccessful the last time Neal pitched. He tossed 3.0 innings, giving up three runs and striking out two in a 13-3 loss to the Red Sox. Khris Davis (.230, 18 Rs, 12 HRs, 30 RBIs) has been hitting the ball well, going 2 for 3 yesterday with one RBI.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. The Mariners have a SU record of 9-8 against teams in their division. Seattle has averaged 0.0 runs per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 0.0. Turning to the pitching and defensive side, the Seattle pitching staff and defense has been very good, only giving up 0.0 runs per game. The Mariners don’t allow many hitters to get on base, ranking fourth in the league with a 1.173 WHIP.
Against teams in their division, the Athletics are 13-14 SU. Oakland has been playing better lately, averaging 0.0 runs per game, more than their season average of 0.0. Oakland’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.
Predictions: SU Winner – SEA
Notes
The Athletics lost their last game by a one-run margin. In games decided by one run, the Mariners are 10-6. The Athletics are 6-8 in close games this season.
The Seattle batters brought in a solid 11 hits last game. Oakland has a record of 1-16 when their opponents get that many hits or more.
When they are outhit, the Athletics are 4-23. The Mariners have a 4-14 record when opponents outhit them.
Oakland ranks in the top half of the league at 13th when it comes to home runs, hitting 50 this season. Seattle ranks in the top five with 61.
Ranking 18th, Oakland is in the bottom half of the league in hits, notching 8.30 per game. Seattle ranks in the top half with 8.49.
Ranking 25th, Oakland is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.679). Seattle ranks in the top 10 with an OPS of .748.
When the Athletics allow at least one home run, they are 8-22. When the Mariners allow one or more homers, they have an 18-13 record.
