The Texas Rangers (21-14) are in for a challenge against Luis Castillo at T-Mobile Park on Wednesday when the impressive right-hander takes the mound for the Seattle Mariners (18-18) with the three-game series in the balance.
The Mariners evened up the series 1-1 after winning 5-0 on Tuesday. George Kirby threw seven scoreless innings – striking out nine – for the win. Tom Murphy went 2 for 3 with a home run and a double in the win. He scored two runs and had two RBIs. Josh Smith was 2 for 3 with a double for the Rangers.
ON THE MOUND
Dane Dunning (2-0, 1.42 ERA) is in line to take the mound for Texas. The RHP threw five scoreless innings in his last start, a 5-4 home defeat against the Angels on Friday.
He scattered two hits while striking out three and walking one in the no-decision. Dunning is making his first appearance against the Mariners this season.
Over four starts against the Mariners in 2022, Dunning was 0-1 with a 4.43 ERA over 20.1 innings. He had 20 strikeouts and nine walks. RHP Castillo (2-0, 2.38 ERA) is on the mound for Seattle. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Rangers.
Castillo made one appearance against the Rangers in 2022, throwing one innings in a 5-3 road defeat on August 14. He didn’t give up a hit and struck out two.
In his last start on Friday, Castillo took a no-decision at home against the Astros. He threw seven innings and gave up four runs on five hits, striking out five and walking one in the 6-4 defeat. The righty is tied for fifth in the AL in ERA.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Texas has averaged 6.4 runs a game, equal to their season average. Against righties like Castillo this season, the Rangers have a .768 OPS. Marcus Semien is the team’s most potent producer against right-handers with a .915 OPS in 102 at-bats.
Seattle is averaging only 4.0 runs per game in the last five, down slightly from 4.3 for the season. The M’s have a .699 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .855 OPS over 92 at-bats, Jarred Kelenic has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Texas is 9-8 in road games in 2023, scoring 6.1 runs per game while allowing 4.1 runs. Seattle has gone 10-11 at T-Mobile Park this season, averaging 4.2 runs per game while surrendering 3.8. In the last 10 meetings at T-Mobile Park, Seattle is 7-3 with an average scoreline of 4.2-3.6.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Rangers lead the AL West by two games over the Angels. The Mariners are third in the AL West, three games behind the Rangers.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Seattle Mariners (-190)
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