The Mariners are 13 games better than the Royals, have more to play for being in the wild-card race and are 7-0 in their last seven games in Kansas City.

Yet, the Mariners opened slight underdogs. The pitching matchup of Yusei Kikuchi versus Kris Bubic doesn't justify that.

Both are lefthanders. The Royals hit lefties better and have a winning record against southpaws at 25-22. Seattle, though, is 31-25 versus lefty starters.

Kikuchi is 7-8 with a 4.23 ERA. He permitted just one run in five innngs during his last start this past Sunday against the Diamondbacks. He recorded eight strikeouts.

Bubic is 4-6 with a 4.99 ERA. He lasted just 4 1/3 innings when he faced the Mariners on Aug. 27 allowing five runs on nine hits.