In the first of a four-game series between the Seattle Mariners (69-67) and the Texas Rangers (82-55) at Safeco Field, Felix Hernandez (9-5, 3.48 ERA) and Cole Hamels (14-4, 2.91 ERA) get the ball. The game gets underway at 4:10 p.m. ET on Monday, Sep. 5 and will air on FSSW and RTNW.
In his most recent outing, Hernandez pitched 4.0 innings, giving up six runs, striking out three and walking four in a 14-1 loss to the Rangers. Nelson Cruz (.280, 79 Rs, 35 HRs, 82 RBIs) played well again yesterday, going 2 for 4 with one run, one home run, and one RBI. The Rangers were victorious the last time Hamels pitched. He struggled, going 4.1 innings, allowing six runs, striking out four and walking four in an 8-7 victory over the Mariners. Rougned Odor (.280, 82 Rs, 29 HRs, 79 RBIs, 12 SBs) has been hitting the ball well for the Rangers, going 3 for 5 yesterday with one run, one home run, and three RBIs.
Notes
The Rangers lost their last game by a one-run margin. In games decided by one run, the Mariners are 23-25. The Rangers are 30-9 in close games this season.
The Mariners are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Rangers have a 38-34 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When they are outhit, the Mariners are 15-48. The Rangers have a 20-41 record when opponents outhit them.
Both falling in the top five of the league based on total home runs this season, Seattle ranks fourth with 184 homers and Texas is fifth with 183.
Ranking 27th, Texas is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 367 this season. Seattle ranks in the top half with 418.
The Mariners are 57-42 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Rangers are 68-37 when they hit at least one homer.
