The Texas Rangers (21-13) are on the road to face the Seattle Mariners (17-18) at T-Mobile Park on Tuesday. The Rangers took Monday’s series opener 2-1.
Starter Jon Gray got the win, giving up one run on four hits over seven innings and striking out eight, and Will Smith struck out the side in the ninth to earn his fifth save. Marcus Semien was 2 for 4 with one run in the win. Ty France went 1 for 3 with a solo home run for the Mariners.
ON THE MOUND
Andrew Heaney (2-2, 5.52 ERA) is set to start for Texas. The lefty allowed six runs over 4.2 innings in his last start, a 12-7 road defeat against the Diamondbacks on Wednesday. He gave up four hits while striking out five and walking four in the no-decision.
For Seattle, right-hander George Kirby (3-2, 3.11 ERA) will take the mound. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Rangers. Kirby made four appearances against the Rangers in 2022, all as the starter, striking out 16 and walking three over 22.2 innings (2-0, 1.99).
In his last start on Thursday, Kirby got the win on the road against the Athletics. He threw seven innings and gave up three runs on seven hits, striking out two and walking one in the 5-3 victory.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Texas has averaged 7.8 runs a game, up from their season average of 6.6, while slashing better across the board (.289/.355/.448). Against righties like Kirby this season, the Rangers have a .779 OPS.
Adolis Garcia is the team’s biggest extra-base threat against right-handers with a .547 slugging percentage in 99 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 .616 OPS against lefties in 2023, second lowest in MLB. With a 1.074 OPS over 27 at-bats, Teoscar Hernandez has been their best hitter against left-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Texas is on a three-game winning streak on the road, bringing their record to 9-7 in 2023. The Rangers have scored 6.4 runs per game away from home, while allowing 4.0 runs.
Seattle has gone 9-11 at home this season, averaging 4.2 runs per game while surrendering 4.0. In the last 10 meetings at T-Mobile Park, Seattle is 7-3 with an average scoreline of 4.3-3.8.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Rangers lead the AL West by two games over the Angels. The Mariners are third in the AL West, four games behind the Rangers.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Seattle Mariners (-175)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
