Felix Hernandez (2-2, 2.21 ERA) gets the ball for the Seattle Mariners (18-13) as they go up against Matt Moore (1-3, 4.95 ERA) and the Tampa Bay Rays (15-14) in the first of a three-game series at Safeco Field. The game gets underway at 10:10 p.m. ET on Monday, May. 9 and will air on SUN and RTNW.
In his last start, Hernandez pitched 4.0 innings, giving up eight runs (four unearned) and striking out one in a 9-8 victory over the Athletics. Robinson Cano (.305, 20 Rs, 12 HRs, 33 RBIs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI. The Rays were unsuccessful the last time Moore pitched. He struggled, going 4.1 innings, allowing seven runs, striking out two and walking three in a 10-5 loss to the Dodgers. Steven Souza Jr. (.277, 13 Rs, 7 HRs, 14 RBIs, 1 SB) went 1 for 4 yesterday.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. 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, teams routinely struggle to score runs against the Mariners, who allow only 0.0 runs per game. The Mariners don’t give up many walks to opposing batters at Safeco Field, ranking second in the AL with only 1.9 walks allowed per home game.
During the last 10 games, they averaged 0.0 runs per game, above their 0.0 season average. Opposing pitchers have routinely struggled to strike out the Tampa Bay batters, who rank third in the AL with 9.4 strikeouts per game. Tampa Bay’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. They have a WHIP of 1.133, fourth best in the MLB.
Predictions: SU Winner – SEA
Notes
Seattle has won 64% (9-5) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Tampa Bay has won 67% (6-3) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Rays are coming off of a weak pitching game where they recorded five strikeouts. The Mariners have a record of 4-1 when opponents’ pitchers have five strikeouts or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Rays are 10-3. The Mariners have a 14-3 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 27th in runs, Tampa Bay has earned 102 this season. Seattle ranks 11th with 135 runs.
Ranking 28th, Tampa Bay is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 77 this season. Seattle ranks in the top half at 12th with 100.
The Mariners are 15-8 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Rays are 13-9 when they hit at least one homer.
