Felix Hernandez (2-0, 2.37 ERA) and the Seattle Mariners (6-9) meet Phil Hughes (0-3, 5.30 ERA) and the Minnesota Twins (6-9) in the first of a three-game series at Safeco Field. The game starts at 10:10 p.m. ET on Friday, Apr. 24 and will air on FSN-N and ROOT-NW.
Hernandez has a 2.08 ERA and a 7-5 record in his career against the Twins, and faces a struggling Minnesota offense that’s hitting just .228 on the year. Brad Miller (.298, 4 Rs, 1 HR, 7 RBIs, 2 SBs) continued his hot start Wednesday, going 2 for 3 with one RBI. In his career against the Mariners, Hughes is 6-3 with a 3.20 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 43 strikeouts. Torii Hunter (.250, 4 Rs, 1 HR, 6 RBIs, 1 SB) has been doing well, going 2 for 5 Wednesday with one run.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. Don’t expect the Seattle hitters to swing wildly. They average only 7.4 strikeouts per game. Transitioning to the pitching staff, the Mariners rank third in the AL in home ERA with a 3.11 team average. The Mariners are fifth in the AL in hits allowed at home with just 7.7 per game.
The Mariners will take on a right-hander (Hughes) in this game and have a 5-5 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. The right-handed Hernandez will take the mound against the Twins, who have a 4-5 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – SEA
Notes
Minnesota has lost all of its games (0-4) when leading after 7 innings. However, Seattle has won all of its games (4-0) when taking a late lead.
After a weak showing last week where they got in seven hits, the Mariners need to step it up. The Twins have a record of 3-0 when opponents get seven hits or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Twins are 2-8. The Mariners have a 3-7 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 28th in home runs, Minnesota has hit eight this season. Seattle ranks fourth with 19 home runs.
Seattle and Minnesota both rank in the top 10 of the league in hits. Seattle sits at ninth with 8.33 hits per game and Minnesota ranks 10th with 7.53.
Ranking 28th, Minnesota is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.607). Seattle ranks in the top half at 14th with an OPS of .700.
The Twins are 3-7 when they allow at least one home run. Seattle has the same record when allowing one or more homers.
