MLB Betting News and Trends For Thursday 9/27/18

National League
Phillies (78-80) @ Rockies (88-70)
Arrieta is 0-1, 8.25 in his last three starts; over is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 14-16, 5-8 road
5-inning record: 15-10-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 9-30

Senzatela is 2-0, 1.50 in his last two starts (under 10-2). Team in his starts: 6-6, 3-2 home
5-inning record: 4-6-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-12

Phillies are 7-23 in their last 30 road games; over is 9-4-2 in their last 15 road games. Colorado won its last six games; under is 9-5-1 in their last 15 games.

Braves (89-69) @ Mets (74-84)
Teheran is 0-1, 4.41 in his last three starts; under is 10-5 in his last 15. Team in his starts: 18-12, 7-5 away
5-inning record: 11-12-7 Allowed run in 1st inning: 15-30 (8 of last 11)

Vargas is 4-1, 3.41 in his last six starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 7-12, 3-4 home
5-inning record: 8-11 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-19

Atlanta won six of its last seven games; under is 11-5 in their last 16 road games. Mets won four of their last six games; under is 10-4 in their last 14 games.

Pirates (80-77) @ Cubs (92-66)
Williams is 4-0, 1.21 in his last five starts; under is 9-1 in his last ten. Team in his starts: 16-14, 7-6 away
5-inning record: 12-11-7 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-30

Lester is 2-0, 2.25 in his last two starts; over is 12-4 in his last 16. Team in his starts: 23-8, 11-5 home
5-inning record: 17-18-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 9-31

Pittsburgh won eight of their last 11 games; under is 10-4-1 in their last 15 road games. Cubs lost four of their last seven games; five of their last eight games went over.

American League
New York (96-61) @ Tampa Bay (88-69)
Sabathia is 1-3, 6.75 in his last five starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 15-13, 5-7 away
5-inning record: 13-11-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 9-28

Glasnow is 1-2, 2.37 in his last three starts (under 7-2-1). Team in his starts: 4-6, 3-1 home
5-inning record: 3-6-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-10

New York won six of its last nine games; under is 5-3-1 in their last nine road games. Tampa Bay lost three of its last five games; over is 9-4 in their last 13 home games.

Astros (100-58) @ Orioles (46-112)
Cole is 4-0, 3.94 in his last five starts; over is 6-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 23-8, 11-5 away
5-inning record: 18-7-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-31

Ramirez is 0-3, 10.22 in his last three starts; under is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 3-8, 2-4 home
5-inning record: 2-6-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-11

Houston won eight of its last 11 games; under is 3-0 in their last three games. Orioles played a DH yesterday; they’re 5-8 in their last 13 games; three of their last four games went over.

Tigers (64-94) @ Twins (73-84)
Liriano is 1-2, 4.74 in his last three starts; over is 5-2 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 10-16, 6-10 away
5-inning record: 9-12-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-26

Berrios is 0-3, 5.40 in his last five starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 15-16, 11-6 home
5-inning record: 10-15-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-31

Tigers lost six of their last nine games; over is 6-2-1 in their last nine road games. Minnesota won six of its last nine games; under is 7-3-1 in their last 11 home games.

Indians (89-69) @ Royals (56-102)
Tomlin is 0-0, 6.64 in his last four starts (over 5-2-1). Team in his starts: 1-7, 0-3 away
5-inning record: 2-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-8

Sparkman is 0-1, 5.63 in his two starts (under 2-0). Team in his starts: 1-1, 1-0 home
5-inning record: 1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-2

Indians won four of their last five games; they’re 11-6 in last 17 road series openers- over is 12-9 in their last 21 road games. Kansas City won four of its last five games; they’re 6-0 in last six home series openers. Under is 6-1 in their last seven games.

Rangers (66-92) @ Mariners (85-72)
Jurado is 0-3, 8.85 in his last four starts (over 5-2). Team in his starts: 3-4, 1-3 away
5-inning record: 2-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-7

Gonzales is 1-0, 2.25 in his last three starts; over is 7-2 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 16-12, 8-5 home
5-inning record: 15-10-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-28

Texas lost eight of its last ten games; they’re 9-5 in last 14 road series openers- under is 3-0-1 in their last four games. Seattle is 4-6 in its last ten games; over is 5-1 in their last six games.

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New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays Preview and Predictions 09-27-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 27th September 2018 by Gracenote
The New York Yankees were unable to take that next step toward hosting the American League wild-card game after seeing their late rally fall short in an 8-7 setback to the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday. The Yankees (97-61) won't have long to dust themselves off as they return to Tropicana Field on Thursday afternoon when they conclude their four-game series against the Rays (88-70).

Neil Walker's three-run homer in the first inning was all New York could muster before its four-run uprising in the ninth versus Tampa Bay, who saw Tommy Pham extend his hitting streak to 10 games with a solo shot in the third. Pham is 16-for-36 during his hitting streak and carries a career-best on-base run of 28 straight contests heading into Thursday's tilt versus the Yankees, against whom he is 5-for-12 with four extra-base hits (three doubles, one homer). While Tampa Bay was mathematically eliminated earlier this week, New York holds a 1 1/2-game lead over Oakland for the honor of hosting next Wednesday's wild-card game. Luke Voit had three singles to increase his hit total to five in the series and improve to 23-for-76 with 15 runs scored in September.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, YES (New York), FS Sun Tampa Bay

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees LH CC Sabathia (8-7, 3.77 ERA) vs. Rays RH Jaime Schultz (2-1, 4.55)

Sabathia snapped a five-start winless stretch with a strong outing against Baltimore on Friday, allowing two runs on six hits in six innings of a 10-8 triumph. The 38-year-old has struggled versus Tampa Bay this season, dropping both starts while permitting the Rays to record 19 hits and bat .358 against him. Matt Duffy (5-for-9) and Carlos Gomez (9-for-21) have enjoyed success versus Sabathia, who needs to pitch seven innings to reach 155 for the season and receive a $500,000 bonus.

Schultz will receive his first start of the season in the series finale after striking out two in one inning against the Yankees on Monday. That outing likely gave the 27-year-old a boost in confidence after he was shredded for four runs on three hits while recording just one out at Toronto on Thursday. Schultz has made three appearances versus New York this season, allowing two runs on one hit in four innings without picking up a decision.

WALK-OFFS

1. New York OF Andrew McCutchen is 5-for-11 with five runs scored in the series.

2. Tampa Bay OF Kevin Kiermaier sustained a hairline fracture in his right foot during Wednesday's game..

3. Yankees DH Aaron Judge is 4-for-12 with two RBIs and two runs scored in the series.

PREDICTION: Yankees 3, Rays 2
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Philadelphia Phillies vs. Colorado Rockies Preview and Predictions 09-27-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 27th September 2018 by Gracenote
The red-hot Colorado Rockies aim to complete a four-game dismantling of the visiting Philadelphia Phillies when the series concludes on Thursday afternoon. The Rockies have outscored Philadelphia 34-4 while winning the first three games to move into first place in the National League West - one-half game ahead of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Colorado is riding a six-game winning streak during which it has outscored its opponents 47-7. David Dahl has homered in all three games of the series and is 6-for-14 with nine RBIs for the Rockies, who racked up 16 hits - four homers - in Wednesday's 14-0 shellacking. Trevor Story went 3-for-4 with a two-run blast and has belted eight shots this month despite missing five games due to an elbow injury. Philadelphia's late-season decline includes a season-worst seven-game slide and losses in 26 of its last 36 contests.

TV: 3:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia, AT&T SportsNet-Rocky Mountain (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Jake Arrieta (10-10, 3.94 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Antonio Senzatela (6-6, 4.52)

Arrieta lasted just two innings in his last turn as he gave up four runs and four hits in a loss to Atlanta. The 32-year-old is just 1-4 with a 6.64 ERA in his last eight turns, working five frames of fewer in five of the outings. Arrieta is 2-2 with a 6.61 ERA in five career starts against the Rockies and has struggled in two at Coors Field, losing both while compiling a 14.54 ERA.

Senzatela has won back-to-back starts, allowing two runs and eight hits over 12 innings. The 23-year-old picked up a key win over Arizona in his last turn as he gave up one run and three hits over seven frames. Senzatela's lone career appearance against the Phillies came in relief on Aug. 4, 2017, when he permitted two runs and three hits over two innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rockies RHP German Marquez matched the modern-day record by striking out the first eight batters he faced on Wednesday, and his 11 for the game raised his season total to a franchise record 221, surpassing Ubaldo Jimenez (214 in 2010).

2. Washington C Wilson Ramos (wrist) sat out Wednesday after going 0-for-11 over his previous four contests.

3. Colorado CF Charlie Blackmon was hitless in four at-bats on Wednesday as his career-high 17-game hitting streak came to an end.

PREDICTION: Rockies 12, Phillies 1
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Houston Astros vs. Baltimore Orioles Preview and Predictions 09-27-2018 in MLB

Prior to testing their mettle against baseball's best in the upcoming playoffs, the Houston Astros will conclude the regular season against the majors-worst Baltimore Orioles in the opener of a four-game series on Thursday. The Astros (100-58) need three wins to break the club mark for victories in a season while the Orioles (46-112) set their franchise record in losses with Wednesday's 19-3 drubbing in the opener of a doubleheader versus Boston.

Braves vs. Mets Preview and Predictions

Carlos Correa returned following a six-game absence due to a sore back and had an RBI single in Wednesday's 3-1 setback to Toronto, marking just the fifth loss in 23 contests this month for American League West champion Houston. The 23-year-old had an inside-the-park homer as part of a two-hit, three-RBI performance as the Astros highlighted a three-game sweep of Baltimore with a 10-6 triumph on April 3. The Orioles' fortunes sadly didn't improve from there, and their 6-18 mark in their last 24 contests aren't making them feel any better. Trey Mancini, who is 9-for-26 during his six-game hitting streak, drove in three runs and scored twice during Baltimore's 10-3 win over the Red Sox in Wednesday's nightcap.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston), MASN (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Gerrit Cole (15-5, 2.92 ERA) vs. Orioles RH David Hess (3-10, 5.14)
Cole is looking to finish the regular-season with a flourish, as he enters his final start with a 5-0 mark and 3.54 ERA in his past seven outings. The 28-year-old struck out 12 in seven innings of Friday's 11-3 win against the Los Angeles Angels, increasing his total to 65 over his last 40 2/3 frames. Cole will be making his first career appearance versus Baltimore, although Jace Peterson is 3-for-7 and three walks against him.

Hess has received a pair of no-decisions in his last two starts despite surrendering five homers in that stretch and four walks in his last trip to the mound on Saturday. The 25-year-old has permitted 21 homers and 35 walks in 20 outings (96 1/3 innings) this season. Hess will be making his first career start versus Houston.

WALK-OFFS

1. Houston 1B Yuli Gurriel is 19-for-45 with three homers, 15 RBIs and eight runs scored during his 11-game hitting streak.

2. Orioles OF Adam Jones, who had three hits in the nightcap, went 5-for-12 with a homer and four RBIs in the previous series versus the Astros.

3. Houston CF Jake Marisnick has a double and triple with two runs scored during his four-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Astros 7, Orioles 2
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Atlanta Braves vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 09-27-2018 in MLB

The combination of injuries and poor performance has resulted in a lost season for Dominic Smith, but as the New York Mets host the Atlanta Braves for the final time in 2018 on Thursday, their first baseman looks to build off an encouraging finish. Smith has at least one hit in four of his past five games, going 2-for-4 with a homer and two RBIs Wednesday as New York gave Jacob deGrom a victory in his final start, a 3-0 triumph that evened the series at one game apiece.

As bad as the Mets season has been - New York is 63-83 since starting the year 11-1 - deGrom has been just as good despite winning only his 10th game Wednesday as New York struggled all season to provide him run support. The Braves pitched well in seeing their six-game winning streak snapped, but finished with a season low-tying two hits. Atlanta, the National League East champions, began Wednesday 1 � games ahead of the Dodgers for the second seed in the NL playoffs and home-field advantage in the NL Division Series, starting Oct. 4. Left fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. stole his 16th base and collected one of the Braves hits Wednesday, and has at least one hit in six of his past nine games.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Atlanta), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Julio Teheran (9-8, 4.03 ERA) vs. Mets LH Jason Vargas (6-9, 6.25)

Teheran has one final shot to show the Braves he belongs in the playoff rotation, after an outstanding start Friday against Philadelphia in which a misplayed ball in the outfield resulted in three earned runs. Teheran gave up four runs in all against the Phillies on five hits in 6 1/3 innings, and since July 30 the 27-year-old is 2-1 with a 3.32 ERA and a .177 opponents batting average. Teheran is 1-1 in four starts against the Mets this season with a 1.69 ERA.

The Mets had high hopes for Vargas, who led the majors with 18 wins while making the AL All-Star team in 2017 with Kansas City, but he enters his 20th start of the season with a career-worst ERA. The 35-year-old has pitched better lately, posting a 3.79 ERA while going 4-2 in his past eight starts, and has allowed fewer than three earned runs in six of his past seven outings. Vargas is 1-2 with a 6.14 ERA in three starts against Atlanta this season, giving up 19 hits in 14 2/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Atlanta SS Dansby Swanson (partially torn ligament in left hand) will miss the final four games of the regular season, but the Braves hope he can return next week for the NLDS.

2. New York LF Michael Conforto recorded a homer and a double Wednesday, and has 14 homers and 43 RBIs since Aug. 1.

3. Mets RF Brandon Nimmo drew two walks Wednesday, and has walked eight times in the past three games while drawing at least one free pass in 12 of his past 13 games.

PREDICTION: Braves 6, Mets 3
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Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs Preview and Predictions 09-27-2018 in MLB

For one day only, there will be no scoreboard-watching for the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs take their one-half game lead over idle Milwaukee in the National League Central into the finale of their four-game series against the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday.

The Cubs and Brewers both clinched playoff spots on Wednesday, but Chicago's 7-6 win in 10 innings ensured it at least one more day alone in first place. Albert Almora's RBI single in the 10th, after the Pirates scored twice in both the eighth and ninth to tie it, reduced the Cubs' magic number to win the division to four. It was a welcomed outburst for an offense that had totaled only five runs in its previous six games against the Pirates, including one in the first two contests of this series. The Pirates have relished the role of spoiler in recent weeks, but Thursday's game is their last chance before finishing with three contests at Cincinnati.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, AT&T SportsNet-Pittsburgh, NBCS Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Trevor Williams (14-9, 3.04 ERA) vs. Cubs LH Jon Lester (17-6, 3.43)

Williams is enjoying a breakout season thanks to a dominant second half. The 26-year-old has recorded eight scoreless outings in his last 12 starts, posting a 1.00 ERA over that stretch. Williams is 2-3 with a 3.41 ERA in seven career games (five starts) against the Cubs.

Lester is 3-1 with a 1.90 ERA in four starts this month after limiting the Chicago White Sox to three runs - two earned - over five innings in a victory last time out. The 34-year-old has been better on the road than at home, though, as he is 6-4 with a 3.96 ERA in 16 starts at Wrigley Field. Lester is 8-6 with a 3.38 ERA in 17 career starts against Pittsburgh.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs 3B-OF Kris Bryant (wrist) did not play on Wednesday

2. Chicago 2B Daniel Murphy is 10-for-28 during his six-game hitting streak.

3. Pirates RHP Edgar Santana will undergo Tommy John surgery and miss the 2019 season, the club announced Wednesday.

PREDICTION: Pirates 2, Cubs 1
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Detroit Tigers vs. Minnesota Twins Preview and Predictions 09-27-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 27th September 2018 by Gracenote
Tigers vs. Twins Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/27/2018

The Minnesota Twins have had their way with the Detroit Tigers of late, winning seven of the last nine meetings between the American League Central rivals. Minnesota looks to complete the season series with another victory when it hosts Detroit on Thursday for the rubber match of their three-game set.

The Twins cruised to an 11-4 triumph on Wednesday, registering 14 hits en route to improving to 11-7 versus the Tigers this year and 18-8 in their last 26 matchups. Johnny Field went deep twice for his first career multi-homer performance and Tyler Austin belted a two-run shot as eight of Minnesota's nine players in the starting lineup recorded at least one hit. Detroit squandered an early 1-0 lead but battled back to forge a 4-4 tie before surrendering two runs in the fourth inning and five in the following frame. Christian Stewart tripled and drove in a pair of runs as the Tigers were thwarted in their attempt to post back-to-back victories for the first time in more than two weeks.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, FS North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers LH Francisco Liriano (5-11, 4.40 ERA) vs. Twins LH Gabriel Moya (3-1, 4.72)

Liriano has struggled to get in the win column since capturing three of his four decisions in April but had won two of three starts before suffering a loss against Kansas City on Friday, when he yielded four runs - one earned - and six hits in six innings. The 34-year-old Dominican has kept the ball in the park in each of his four outings in September after serving up seven home runs over 21 1/3 frames in five turns last month. Liriano, who spent the first 6 1/2 years of his career with the Twins, is 3-3 with a 6.40 ERA in seven career starts against his former club - including two losses in as many outings this season.

Moya will be making his sixth start of the season and second in three games after issuing one walk in a scoreless inning against Detroit on Tuesday. The 23-year-old Venezuelan has made each of his last three turns as the "opener" versus the Tigers, allowing three hits over three scoreless frames. Moya also made three relief appearances against Detroit this year and permitted one hit over three innings without yielding a run.

WALK-OFFS

1. Wednesday's triumph gave Minnesota's Paul Molitor the 300th victory of his managerial career.

2. Tigers C James McCann has gone 3-for-7 with three RBIs over the first two contests of the series.

3. Twins SS Jorge Polanco has feasted on Detroit pitching in the set, going 4-for-9 with four RBIs over the first two games.

PREDICTION: Tigers 5, Twins 2
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Cleveland Indians vs. Kansas City Royals Preview and Predictions 09-27-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 27th September 2018 by Gracenote
Indians vs. Royals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/27/2018

The Cleveland Indians are looking forward to next week's American League Division Series matchup with Houston and have little for which to play as they open a four-game series against the host Kansas City Royals on Thursday. However, the Royals need at least one win to assure they won't match the franchise record for most losses (106 in 2005).

Kansas City, which has won three straight games, is riding the hot bat of Whit Merrifield, who owns a 16-game hitting streak to go with a .307 average. Merrifield, who has hit 42 doubles this year, recorded two stolen bases in Wednesday's 6-1 interleague victory in Cincinnati to increase his AL-leading total to 41 and join Johnny Damon (42, 46 in 2000) as the only players in franchise history with at least 40 doubles and 40 steals in a season. The Indians rolled to a 10-2 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday as Edwin Encarnacion went 3-for-4 with a homer and four RBIs while Francisco Lindor launched his ninth leadoff blast of the season. Cleveland has won four of its last five games and needs one victory in the series to reach 90 for the third straight campaign.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), FS Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Josh Tomlin (2-5, 6.44 ERA) vs. Royals RH Glenn Sparkman (0-3, 4.86)

Tomlin, who is on the bubble for a postseason roster spot, will be making his ninth start of the season. The 33-year-old lasted just four innings in his most recent outing as he yielded four runs and eight hits in a no-decision against the White Sox. Tomlin is 10-5 with a 3.93 ERA in 26 career appearances (21 starts) against the Royals and has been torched by Salvador Perez (20-for-40, one homer, eight doubles, six RBIs).

Sparkman is making his third career start and 15th appearance as he strives to record his first major-league win. The 26-year-old last started on Aug. 21, when he gave up three runs and seven hits over four innings in a loss to Tampa Bay. Sparkman owns a 1.71 WHIP and opponents are batting .309 against him.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Indians are 10-5 versus the Royals this season.

2. Cleveland INF Erik Gonzalez got hit in the head by a pitch during Wednesday's game and will be re-evaluated on Thursday.

3. Kansas City LF Alex Gordon went 2-for-4 with a homer and two RBIs on Wednesday, giving him 18 RBIs in September after entering the month with 37.

PREDICTION: Indians 7, Royals 4
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Texas Rangers vs. Seattle Mariners Preview and Predictions 09-27-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 27th September 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 09/27/2018

The first leg of the Texas Rangers' season-ending seven-game road trip was anything but a success, but the team hopes to conclude 2018 on a high note, starting with the opener of its four-game series against the Seattle Mariners on Thursday. Texas, which took two of three from the Mariners at home last weekend, lost a pair of one-run decisions as it began its trek by being swept by the Los Angeles Angels.

The Rangers held a pair of one-run leads in Wednesday's 3-2 setback as Adrian Beltre and Jurickson Profar belted solo homers before reliever Chris Martin served up a tiebreaking blast by Shohei Ohtani in the eighth inning. Seattle's Ben Gamel delivered a two-run double in Wednesday's 9-3 loss to Oakland, the Mariners' fourth setback in their six contests. Seattle's pitching staff has been roughed up in that span, surrendering a total of 38 runs - and at least six in each of the last four games. Slugger Nelson Cruz lifted a sacrifice fly Wednesday and needs to drive in four runs over his last four contests to reach the 100-RBI plateau for a third consecutive season and fourth time in five years.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (Texas), ROOT Northwest (Seattle)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH Ariel Jurado (4-5, 6.66 ERA) vs. Mariners LH Marco Gonzales (13-9, 4.12)

After getting the start in each of his first seven appearances this season, Jurado has entered behind an "opener" on four straight occasions and recorded the win in the last two. The 22-year-old Panamanian rookie worked five innings in his first career meeting with Seattle on Friday, allowing two runs and six hits. Jurado has posted a ghastly 7.96 ERA on the road, which is nearly three runs higher than his mark at home (5.16).

Gonzales lost all four of his starts in August but has rebounded nicely, going 1-0 while allowing four runs over 16 innings in three outings this month. The victory came Saturday at Texas, where the 26-year-old native of Colorado permitted one hit over six scoreless frames. Gonzales is 2-1 with a 3.57 ERA in three outings against the Rangers this year, allowing an unearned run and five hits over 12 2/3 innings in the triumphs.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mariners INF Robinson Cano is riding an eight-game hitting streak during which he has gone 16-for-33 with two homers and eight RBIs.

2. Texas OF Joey Gallo, who hit his 40th home run a day earlier, struck out in all four at-bats Wednesday to extend his team record to 204 on the season.

3. Seattle has yet to name starters for the final two games of the series, although LHP James Paxton likely will take the mound Saturday.

PREDICTION: Mariners 6, Rangers 3
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