James Paxton (3-3, 3.70 ERA) and Kyle Kendrick (5-12, 6.25 ERA) start in the last of a three-game series between the Seattle Mariners (69-74) and the Colorado Rockies (59-83) at Safeco Field. The Mariners won the last game 7-2 and the series is currently tied 1-1. Action begins at 4:10 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sep. 13 and can be seen on RTRM and RTNW.
Paxton pitched 4.2 innings in his most recent start, surrendering three runs (one unearned), striking out four and walking one in a 5-3 defeat to the Indians. Nelson Cruz (.311, 80 Rs, 41 HRs, 87 RBIs, 3 SBs) had another good game yesterday, going 2 for 4 with one run, one home run, and three RBIs. Kendrick went 5.0 innings, surrendering three runs, striking out four and walking two in a 6-4 win over the Padres in his last outing.
Seattle is a -165 favorite against Colorado and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at eight runs. The Mariners have an overall money line of -1,279 and a record as the favorite of 41-43. In interleague play, they have had a discouraging season, earning 4-9 and 8-11 records as the favorite and SU respectively. The Mariners have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 5.6 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 4.0 runs per game. Seattle is one of the best in the AL in terms of walks, earning an average of 3.0 per game.
Over in the other dugout, Colorado is coming in with an overall money line of -1,424 and a disappointing record of 42-63 as the underdog. Colorado has put in a lackluster performance against American League opponents, coming in with a subpar record SU ({betdsi.at.al.su_record}) and as the underdog (3-11). Offensively, they average 4.5 runs per game, which is good for second in the NL. The Rockies allow 5.2 runs per game, but does worse whenever an AL opponent is on the schedule. They bring that runs allowed average up to 6.3 against teams from the AL.
The Mariners lead the season series, 3-2. The Mariners have a 48-47 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Kendrick takes the mound. Paxton (LHP) will be on the hill against the Rockies, who have inferior records against left-handed starting pitchers on the road and overall of 2-12 and 5-24, respectively.
Predictions: SU Winner – Sea, O/U – Over
Notes
The Mariners are coming off of a hot pitching game where they recorded 14 strikeouts. The Rockies have a record of 2-7 when they are struck out that many times or more.
When they are outhit, the Rockies are 10-60. The Mariners have an 18-48 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking seventh in home runs, Colorado has hit 168 this season. Seattle ranks fifth with 175 home runs.
Ranking 11th, Seattle is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.51 per game. Colorado ranks in the top five at third with 9.18.
Ranking 15th, Seattle is in the top half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.724). Colorado ranks in the top five at second with an OPS of .756.
When the Rockies allow at least one home run, they are 31-64, well-matched with the Mariners who are 34-60 when allowing at least one homer.
