Yu Darvish (1-0, 1.80 ERA) and Taijuan Walker (2-5, 3.31 ERA) start in the first of a three-game series between the Texas Rangers (31-22) and the Seattle Mariners (31-22) at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Action begins at 8:05 p.m. ET on Friday, Jun. 3 and can be seen on FSSW and RTNW.
Darvish pitched 5.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering one run, striking out seven and walking one in a 5-2 win over the Pirates. Nomar Mazara (.299, 22 Rs, 9 HRs, 24 RBIs) went 1 for 5 Wednesday. Walker went 4.1 innings, surrendering five runs, striking out three and walking two in a 5-4 defeat to the Twins in his last outing. Robinson Cano (.293, 40 Rs, 16 HRs, 48 RBIs) has been successful at the plate for the Mariners, going 2 for 4 yesterday with three runs.
The odds for Texas and Seattle are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable as of now. Within its division, Texas has a record of 14-14 SU. The Rangers have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 0.0 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 0.0 runs per game. Texas’s pitching staff has been doing better against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, only allowing an average of 0.0 runs per game, well under their season average of 0.0. Opponents have consistently been struck out by the Rangers, who lead the AL in strikeouts per game with 6.9.
The Mariners are 15-10 against AL West foes. Offensively, they average 0.0 runs per game, which is good for fifth in the AL. The Mariners allow 0.0 runs per game, but have improved upon those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 0.0 runs per game during that span.
Predictions: SU Winner – SEA
Notes
Seattle has won 60% (15-10) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Texas has won 64% (16-9) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Mariners are coming off of a hot pitching game where they recorded 10 strikeouts. The Rangers have a record of 5-5 when they are struck out that many times or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Mariners are 25-5. The Rangers have an 18-2 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking eighth, Texas is in the top 10 of the league in runs, scoring 250 this season. Seattle ranks in the top five at fourth with 278.
Ranking 26th, Texas is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 134 this season. Seattle ranks in the top half at 11th with 178.
The Rangers are 24-13 when they hit at least one home run. The Mariners perform similarly when they hit one or more homers with a 27-15 record.
