The Los Angeles Angels (22-25) and Seattle Mariners (21-27) will continue an American League West series on Saturday night at Safeco Field, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:15 ET on FOX
Los Angeles Angels at Seattle Mariners
Los Angeles is in the midst of its longest win streak of the year, winning four consecutive games, including a 6-4 come-from-behind road victory over the Seattle Mariners on Friday night. Many will attribute the recent play to first baseman Albert Pujols breaking out of his season-long slump, hitting three of his season’s six home runs in that span. “He’s starting to come to life,” commented Angels manager Mike Scioscia. The Angels have won 66 games against the Mariners since 2007, which is the most by any team over another in the majors in that span. Los Angeles is 1-4 as a road underdog of +125 to +150 this season.
Angels starting pitcher Jerome Williams (4-2, 3.74 ERA) has watched the club alternate wins and losses over his last four outings, as he comes off a 2-1 road defeat to the Oakland Athletics last time out. He allowed two runs and five hits over 6.1 frames in that effort. The right-hander has gone 0-2 with a 5.96 ERA in four road appearances (three starts), issuing 13 walks and striking out 12 in 22.2 innings. In two career outings versus the Mariners, Williams enters with a 2-0 record and 3.00 ERA, with opponents hitting just .157 against him.
Seattle squandered a ninth-inning lead, as closer Brandon League has blown four saves during the 2012 MLB season, which is just one shy of the amount he gave up a year ago. The Mariners have managed to score just 10 runs over their last four games, as outfielder Ichiro Suzuki has gone 2 for 12 over the last three games. First baseman Justin Smoak will need to carry over his performance from last night in hopes of picking up a victory in the third game of this series, knocking in all four runs on Friday, giving him 19 on the season. Seattle is 8-8 against divisional foes this season.
Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez (4-3, 2.80 ERA) is coming off a fantastic performance, notching a 6-1 home win over the Texas Rangers, giving up a single run and six hits over eight innings. The right-hander is 2-1 with a 0.87 ERA in four home starts, issuing eight walks and fanning 34 in 31 frames. In 25 career outings versus the Angels, Hernandez has garnered a losing 6-9 record and 3.67 ERA, including a 2-1 mark and 1.41 ERA in four outings in 2011.
Bettors will likely back the Angels due to their 7-0 mark in Williams’ last seven starts versus losing teams, while the Mariners are 1-4 in Hernandez’s last five starts as a home favorite.
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