PREMIUM
3-Game MLB SWEEPER PASS
(MLB) Texas vs. Seattle,
Money Line: -139.00 Seattle (Home)
Result: Win
Money Line: -139.00 Seattle (Home)
Result: Win
The set-up: The Texas Rangers opened the 2017 season by getting swept at home in a three-game series by the Indians but have rebounded to take two of three at home against the A's and then win two of three in Anaheim against the Angels. The Rangers rode a 47-29 record inside their division last year to create the nine-game gap between themselves and the Seattle Mariners, allowing them to win the American League West going away. The Mariners got Thursday off and it can't possibly do anything but help. 2-8 Seattle has matched its worst 10-game start since 2004, after losing for the fifth time in six contests on Wednesday, 10-5 at home to the Astros. Seattle has struggled in a number of key categories, ranking 26th in the majors in BA (.208), 26th in ERA (4.94) and last in opponent's batting average (.290).
The pitching matchup: Martin Perez (1-1 & 2.38 ERA) will get the nod for Texas and Felix Hernandez (0-1 & 4.09 ERA) get the ball for Seattle. Perez has struggled with his control in two starts (seven walks in 11 1/3 innings). His first two starts of 2017 have been at home and now he goes on the road, hoping to put 2016's road struggles behind him. The lefty was just 2-8 with a 5.78 ERA in 15 road starts last season, as Texas went 6-9. However, one of his two road victories came at Seattle's expense and Perez went 3-0 with a 2.63 ERA in four overall starts against the Mariners in 2016 (Texas was 4-0). Hernandez did not factor in the decision of Saturday's 5-4 road loss to the Angels, giving up three runs and 10 hits in six innings during his 100-pitch outing. The six-time All-Star has 12 recorded strikeouts without issuing a walk in 11 innings but he's hardly resembled a 'King,' already surrendering three HRs and 15 hits, while allowing opponents to bat .333 against him thus far. Hernandez went 1-2 with a 7.47 ERA in three starts versus the Rangers last season, falling to 18-23 - his most losses against any opponent - with a 3.95 ERA in 50 career starts.
The pick: Noting the above numbers, "King Felix" has not pitched like royalty against the Rangers but Perez has always been a pitcher who has been tough at home but woefully vulnerable on the road. Seattle unveiled a bronze statue of Ken Griffey Jr. outside the home plate entrance on Thursday. Friday figures to be a special night at Safeco Field, as fans in attendance will receive a miniature version of the statue and Griffey will throw out the first pitch. Make Seattle an 8* play.
The pitching matchup: Martin Perez (1-1 & 2.38 ERA) will get the nod for Texas and Felix Hernandez (0-1 & 4.09 ERA) get the ball for Seattle. Perez has struggled with his control in two starts (seven walks in 11 1/3 innings). His first two starts of 2017 have been at home and now he goes on the road, hoping to put 2016's road struggles behind him. The lefty was just 2-8 with a 5.78 ERA in 15 road starts last season, as Texas went 6-9. However, one of his two road victories came at Seattle's expense and Perez went 3-0 with a 2.63 ERA in four overall starts against the Mariners in 2016 (Texas was 4-0). Hernandez did not factor in the decision of Saturday's 5-4 road loss to the Angels, giving up three runs and 10 hits in six innings during his 100-pitch outing. The six-time All-Star has 12 recorded strikeouts without issuing a walk in 11 innings but he's hardly resembled a 'King,' already surrendering three HRs and 15 hits, while allowing opponents to bat .333 against him thus far. Hernandez went 1-2 with a 7.47 ERA in three starts versus the Rangers last season, falling to 18-23 - his most losses against any opponent - with a 3.95 ERA in 50 career starts.
The pick: Noting the above numbers, "King Felix" has not pitched like royalty against the Rangers but Perez has always been a pitcher who has been tough at home but woefully vulnerable on the road. Seattle unveiled a bronze statue of Ken Griffey Jr. outside the home plate entrance on Thursday. Friday figures to be a special night at Safeco Field, as fans in attendance will receive a miniature version of the statue and Griffey will throw out the first pitch. Make Seattle an 8* play.
