The Seattle Mariners (51-62) and Los Angeles Angels (59-53) will open up a three-game American League West series on Friday night at Angel Stadium, with the first pitch scheduled for 10:05 ET

Seattle Mariners at Los Angeles Angels  

Seattle has lost four straight games and travels to Southern California with a dismal 1-5 record on its current nine-game road trip.  “We’re working through some things with a couple of new guys,” commented Mariners manager Eric Wedge.  “We need to regroup and get back on track in Anaheim.”  The change of scenery may spark outfielder Michael Saunders offensively, batting .417 with a home run in seven games against the Angels in 2012.  Seattle is 2-8 after enjoying an off day, while the “over” is 7-2 in that situation.

Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez (10-5, 2.63 ERA) is coming off a 1-0 complete-game shutout of the New York Yankees in the Bronx, scattering just two hits and striking out six in that performance.  The right-hander is 5-2 with a 3.07 ERA in 11 road outings, surrendering six home runs in 76.1 frames.  In 26 career starts versus the Angels, Hernandez has tallied a losing 6-10 record and 3.80 ERA, including a 5-3 setback at home on May 26.

Los Angeles is certainly glad to be back home after the bullpen turned into a gas can on the team’s recent road trip, compiling a 10.54 ERA over the span of 10 games.  “We’re not holding the fort very well, that’s for sure,” commented Angels veteran reliever LaTroy Hawkins.  The Angels still have one of the more explosive offenses to overcome off nights by their pitching staff, especially with outfielder Mark Trumbo batting .367 with seven home runs in 14 career home games in this series.  Los Angeles is 8-5 at home when the total is 7 or less.

Angels starting pitcher Ervin Santana (5-10, 5.83 ERA) has led the club to consecutive victories, as the offense has provided him with 21 runs of support in that span.  The right-hander is 2-6 with a 5.08 ERA in nine home outings, surrendering 11 home runs in 56.2 combined frames.  In 27 career games versus the Mariners, Santana has tallied an 11-7 record and 3.93 ERA, including an 0-1 mark and 10.24 ERA in two efforts this year.

Sports bettors will likely back the Angels due to their 4-1 mark at home following a road trip of seven or more days, while the Mariners are 5-16 after an off day.

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