MLB Predictions: Texas Rangers vs. Seattle Mariners

The Texas Rangers (30-17) and Seattle Mariners (20-27) will open up a three-game American League West series Friday night at Safeco Field, with the first pitch scheduled for 10:10 p.m. ET.

Texas Rangers vs. Seattle Mariners

The Texas Rangers are 11-4 in their last 15 games versus AL West opponents

Texas snapped a two-game losing streak by picking up a 3-1 victory over the Oakland Athletics as -117 home favorites Wednesday, while going UNDER the total for a second consecutive contest. “This was huge for so many reasons,” commented Rangers catcher A.J. Pierzynski. “It was a great win.” The Rangers will face a left-handed starter for the first time in 11 games, which could benefit utility man Jeff Baker, who is hitting .344 with four home runs and six RBIs in that situation. Texas is 11-4 in its last 15 division games.

Rangers starting pitcher Justin Grimm (3-3, 4.02 ERA) snapped a personal three-game losing streak last time out, as he earned a 7-2 home victory over the Detroit Tigers last time out, allowing two runs and seven hits over 6.2 innings of work. The right-hander is 1-2 with a 5.14 ERA in four road outings, with opposing hitters batting .287 against him. In two career games versus the Mariners, Grimm has compiled a 1-0 record and 2.70 ERA, including an 11-3 home win on April 21.

Seattle returns home after a dreadful 2-7 road trip, which included a 7-1 setback to the Los Angeles Angels as +176 underdogs Wednesday, while going UNDER the betting total of 8.5. The Mariners were outscored by a 19-1 margin in their three-game series against the Angels, which has the clubhouse feeling down heading into a crucial weekend set. “This is not the baseball we wanted to come in here and play,” stated Mariners shortstop Brendan Ryan. Seattle is 1-4 in its last five home games following a road trip of seven or more days.

Mariners starting pitcher Joe Saunders (3-4, 5.64 ERA) has watched the club alternate wins and losses over its last five outings, as he didn’t earn a decision in a 5-4 road setback to the Cleveland Indians last time out, as he allowed four runs and 11 hits over 5.1 frames. The left-hander is 3-0 with a 0.94 ERA in four home outings, with opposing hitters batting .180 against him. In 13 career appearances versus the Rangers, Saunders has tallied a 3-8 record and 6.30 ERA, including a 7-0 road loss on April 19.