James Paxton (0-2, 5.08 ERA) and the Seattle Mariners (14-17) go up against Ian Kennedy (2-1, 5.03 ERA) and the San Diego Padres (17-16) in the first of a two-game interleague series at Safeco Field. The game starts at 10:10 p.m. ET on Tuesday, May. 12 and will air on FSN-SD and ROOT-NW.
In his last start, Paxton pitched 7.0 innings, allowing two runs, striking out four and walking three in a 5-4 loss to the Angels. Nelson Cruz (.344, 21 Rs, 14 HRs, 27 RBIs, 1 SB) went 1 for 4 Sunday with one run. The Padres were victorious over the Giants 9-1 the last time Kennedy pitched. He went 7.0 innings, allowing one run and striking out five. Justin Upton (.294, 23 Rs, 8 HRs, 24 RBIs, 7 SBs) has been doing well offensively for the Padres, going 2 for 4 Sunday.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable at the moment. The Mariners have a 0-3 record SU against the NL. Whenever an National League opponent shows up on the calendar, the Mariners seem to struggle with pitching. They allow an average of 4.4 runs per game, but allow 5.7 against teams from the NL. The have been extremely effective at striking opposing batters out at Safeco Field, leading the AL with 9.5 strikeouts per home game.
Against AL opponents, the Padres are 0-3 SU. When it comes to scoring runs, the Padres haven’t performed as well against teams from the AL. During those games, they averaged three runs per game, below their 4.6 season average. The Padres are known for their bats, hitting 101 extra base hits. Playing competition from the AL really brings the worst out of the San Diego pitchers. They allow 10.0 runs per game against teams in the AL, which is higher than their season average of 4.5.
The Mariners will take on a right-hander (Kennedy) in this game and have an 11-12 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. The left-handed Paxton will take the mound against the Padres. Against lefty starters this season, they’ve racked up an impressive 6-3 record.
Predictions: SU Winner – SD
Notes
San Diego has won 60% (9-6) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Seattle has won 78% (7-2) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Mariners are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Padres have a 3-7 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Padres are 1-13. The Mariners have a 6-10 record when opponents outhit them.
San Diego ranks in the top half of the league at 12th when it comes to home runs, hitting 29 this season. Seattle ranks in the top 10 at seventh with 36.
Ranking 11th, Seattle is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 7.97 per game. San Diego ranks in the top five at fifth with 8.91.
Ranking 21st, Seattle is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.691). San Diego ranks in the bottom half at 16th with an OPS of .709.
When the Padres allow at least one home run, they are 10-13. When the Mariners allow one or more homers, they have a 7-13 record.
