In the second of a two-game series between the Seattle Mariners (29-21) and the San Diego Padres (20-32) at Safeco Field, Hisashi Iwakuma (3-4, 4.33 ERA) and James Shields (2-6, 3.06 ERA) take the mound. The Mariners won the last game 9-3, and Seattle leads the series 1-0. The game starts at 3:40 p.m. ET on Tuesday, May. 31 and will air on FSSD and RTNW.
In his last start, Iwakuma pitched 7.0 innings, giving up three runs and striking out four in a 13-3 victory over the Athletics. Nelson Cruz (.289, 26 Rs, 10 HRs, 33 RBIs) played well again yesterday, going 2 for 4 with one run and one RBI. The Padres were unsuccessful against the Giants 4-3 the last time Shields pitched. He went 6.0 innings, allowing two runs, striking out six and walking one. Wil Myers (.264, 27 Rs, 7 HRs, 22 RBIs, 6 SBs) has been hitting the ball well, going 2 for 4 yesterday.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. The Mariners have a 20-31 record SU against the NL. The most recent 10-game stretch for the Mariners has gone great. Over that span, Seattle is averaging 0.0 runs per game, well over their season average of 0.0. The Mariners are a power hitting team with an MLB-best 72 home runs. 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 allow many hitters to get on base, ranking fourth in the league with a 1.187 WHIP.
When playing Teams in the American League, the Padres have a 25-21 record SU. During the last 10 games, they averaged 0.0 runs per game, above their 0.0 season average. The Padres average just 9.3 strikeouts per game, one of the lowest marks in the NL. The last 10 games have really brought the best out of the San Diego pitchers. They’ve allowed 0.0 runs per game during that span, which is lower than their season average of 0.0.
The only other game between the two teams went Seattle’s way.
Predictions: SU Winner – SEA
Notes
San Diego has won 45% (10-12) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Seattle has won 57% (13-10) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Padres are coming off of a weak pitching game where they recorded six strikeouts. The Mariners have a record of 15-5 when opponents’ pitchers have six strikeouts or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Mariners are 24-5. The Padres have a 14-2 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 26th in runs, San Diego has earned 190 this season. Seattle ranks seventh with 240 runs.
Ranking 25th, San Diego is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 134 this season. Seattle ranks in the top half at 13th with 162.
When the Mariners hit at least one home run, they are 25-14. When the Padres hit at least one homer, they have a 16-11 record.
