To start the second half of the season, the first-place Texas Rangers (52-34) are at Safeco Field for a weekend series against to help the last-place Mariners (36-51, 16.5 games back) that features Saturday night a match-up of big time pitchers: Felix Hernandez vs. Yu Darvish.
After the Rangers, the Mariners will venture east for seven games, including four in Kansas City (July 16-19) and three at Tampa Bay (July 20-22). The Mariners play the Royals for the first time this season. They were swept in a four-game series at Tampa (April 30-May 3).
A closer look at the weekend:
FRIDAY
RHP Kevin Millwood (3-6, 3.69) vs. LHP Derek Holland (5-4, 5.50)
Millwood (2012): Will make his 17th start and fourth against the Rangers; has not won since May 23 when he defeated Texas 5-3 at Safeco Field; is coming off a no-decision vs. Oakland in which he allowed three hits over 7.0 innings; five no-decisions and two losses in his last seven outings. Vs. Texas: 1-0, 1.06 ERA in three games, all starts; 14 strikeouts to six walks; did not allow an earned run in 6.0 innings when he defeated Texas 5-3 May 23.
Holland (2012): The 25-year-old will be making his 13th start and third against the Mariners. Holland, who spent a month on the disabled list with shoulder fatigue (June 6-July 7), is coming off a 4-3 win over the Minnesota Twins; has pitched into the seventh inning five times in 13 starts, and allowed three or fewer runs seven times. Vs. Mariners: 1-1, 10.00 ERA in two games, both starts; defeated the Mariners 5-3 April 12 and was the losing pitcher May 30 when the Mariners tallied 21 runs in a 21-8 win over the Rangers.
SATURDAY
RHP Felix Hernandez (6-5, 3.13) vs. RHP Yu Darvish (10-5, 3.59)
Hernandez (2012): Will make his 19th start and second against the Rangers. An All-Star for the third time in his career, Hernandez is 1-0 against Texas and coming off a no-decision against the Oakland Athletics at Safeco Field July 8. Hernandez has seven no-decisions this season, including five in which he has allowed one or fewer runs. Vs. Texas: 1-0, 1.13 ERA in one game, a start; defeated the Rangers 6-1 May 21, allowing one earned run in 8.0 innings.
Darvish (2012): The 25-year-old Darvish, in his first season with the Rangers, will make his 17th start and third against the Mariners; Darvish pitched into the seventh inning seven times in his first 16 starts; Darvish is 3-3 in his last six and is coming off a 3-1 loss to the Oakland A’s. Vs. Seattle: 1-1, 8.38 ERA in two games, both starts, covering 9.2 innings; 10 strikeouts to 10 walks; defeated Seattle 11-5 April 9, and lost to Hernandez and the Mariners 6-1 May 21.
SUNDAY
RHP Hisashi Iwakuma (1-1, 4.84) vs. LHP Matt Harrison (11-4, 3.10)
Iwakuma (2012): Will make his 16th appearance, and his second start, against the Rangers; began the year in the bullpen; had his only win working 2.0 innings of relief June 16 against San Francisco; coming off a no-decision in his last (and only) start, a 6-3 Seattle win over Baltimore July 2. Vs. Texas: Threw 3.0 innings of relief May 30 when the Mariners won 21-8; credited with a save in that game, his first of the season.
Harrison (2012): Will make his 18th start and third against the Mariners; has pitched into the seventh inning eight times and had his best outing June 8 at San Francisco when he blanked the Giants 5-0 in a complete game; has allowed four or more earned runs just twice. Vs. Seattle: 2-0, 1.80 ERA in two games, both starts, covering 15.0 innings; beat Seattle 3-1 May 22 and 4-2 May 28; allowed combined three earned runs in those games.
4 Comments
Prior to the All-Star break it was inferred that Marinier heads were going to roll during the break.I see no heads on the floor, just more platitudes about the future. No cutting of dead wood or surplus players such as Olivo. Does the club really need three catchers when they don’t even have one first baseman or for that matter, second either. Sometimes that light at the end of the tunnel is a train coming at you.
Prior to the All-Star break it was inferred that Marinier heads were going to roll during the break.I see no heads on the floor, just more platitudes about the future. No cutting of dead wood or surplus players such as Olivo. Does the club really need three catchers when they don’t even have one first baseman or for that matter, second either. Sometimes that light at the end of the tunnel is a train coming at you.
against to help the last-place Mariners
yes, yes, exactly!
against to help the last-place Mariners
yes, yes, exactly!