Yovani Gallardo (2-2, 3.92 ERA) and the Texas Rangers (7-11) meet Taijuan Walker (0-2, 10.66 ERA) and the Seattle Mariners (7-11) in the first of a three-game division series at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The game gets underway at 8:05 p.m. ET on Monday, Apr. 27 and will air on ROOT-NW and FSN-SW.
In his most recent outing, Gallardo pitched 5.0 innings, allowing three runs (two unearned), striking out six and walking one in an 8-5 loss to the Diamondbacks. Mitch Moreland (.310, 2 Rs, 1 HR, 9 RBIs) continued his hot start yesterday, going 3 for 5 with two RBIs. In his pitching opportunities against the Rangers, Walker is 0-0 with a 0.00 ERA, one strike out and zero walks. Seth Smith (.263, 6 Rs, 1 HR, 5 RBIs) has been hitting the ball well to start the season, going 2 for 3 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
Texas is a small -113 favorite in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at eight runs. The Rangers are 1-1 as the favorite and have an overall money line of -335. They have an SU record of 5-10 against teams in their division and a 1-1 record when they were the favorite in those games. They have been very patient at the plate during home games, ranking fourth in the AL with an average of 3.7 walks per game.
Across the field, the Mariners have a subpar record of 1-3 when they are the underdog and are -567 overall with the money line. Over the past 10 matchups, they are 4-6 SU and have a poor 0-1 record when they were an underdog to win.
In their previous three games this season, the Mariners have a 2-1 record. This game will feature Walker (RHP) on the mound against the Rangers, who have a 5-6 record when they take on a right-handed starter. Taking the hill against the Mariners will be the right-hander Gallardo. They sport a 6-6 record against righties.
Predictions: SU Winner – SEA, O/U – Over
Notes
Texas has won 27% (3-8) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Seattle has won all of its games (4-0) when taking a late lead.
The Mariners managed to give up seven walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Rangers who are heading in with a 1-2 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Mariners are 4-2. The Rangers have a 4-0 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 22nd, Seattle sits near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 67 this season. Texas ranks in the bottom half at 17th with 71.
Ranking 25th, Seattle is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 44 this season. Texas ranks in the top 10 at ninth with 61.
When the Rangers hit at least one home run, they are 5-3. When the Mariners hit at least one homer, they have a 7-6 record.
