MLB Predictions: Los Angeles Angels vs. Seattle Mariners

The Los Angeles Angels (88-71) and Seattle Mariners (73-86) will open a three-game American League West series on Monday night at Safeco Field, with the first pitch scheduled for 10:10 ET

Los Angeles Angels at Seattle Mariners

Seattle Mariners SP Felix Hernandez hasn’t enjoyed much success against the Los Angeles Angels

Los Angeles will likely miss the 2012 MLB playoffs after suffering an 8-7 setback in Game 2 of Sunday’s doubleheader against the Texas Rangers, but the clubhouse hasn’t given up. “We have to go out there and take care of business,” commented Angels outfielder Torii Hunter. “But at the same time, we’re going to be watching.” The Halos will be officially eliminated from the postseason if the Oakland Athletics win just once in their three-game series with the Rangers. Los Angeles is 11-1 on the road against teams with a losing home record, which is important to note when making your pro baseball picks.

Angels starting pitcher C.J. Wilson (12-10, 3.86 ERA) has watched the club win six of his last seven outings, which includes a no-decision effort in a 4-3 home win over the Mariners last time out. The left-hander is 7-4 with a 3.93 ERA in 18 road games, issuing 48 walks and striking out 91 batters in 105.1 innings. In 49 career games (12 starts) versus the Mariners, Wilson has compiled a 10-5 record and 3.94 ERA, including a 5-3 mark and 3.12 ERA in 26 appearances at this ballpark.

Seattle’s bullpen faltered for a second consecutive game in suffering a 5-2 loss to the Athletics on Sunday, as it was a disappointing result due to finishing with an 11-6 advantage in the hits column. The Mariners have now dropped 10 of their last 13 games, with their record sitting at 73-86 going into the final regular-season series of the 2012 campaign. Seattle is 22-46 in its last 68 home games versus southpaw starters, while the “over” is 4-1-1 in the team’s last six games overall.

Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez (13-8, 2.86 ERA) hasn’t garnered a victory since Aug. 27, with the offense providing him just 11 runs of support in his last six efforts. The right-hander is 7-5 with a 2.39 ERA in 17 home outings, surrendering five home runs in 124.1 combined frames. In 29 career games versus the Angels, Hernandez has compiled a dismal 6-11 record and 3.86 ERA, which includes a no-decision in a 4-3 road loss last time out.