Mariners Host Rangers in an Afternoon Showdown

The Texas Rangers (13-12 SU, 13-12 RL, 13-10-2 O/U) will be looking to extend their three-game winning streak against the Seattle Mariners (15-11 SU, 15-11 RL, 15-11 O/U) when they battle in the second game of a three-game set this afternoon at Safeco Field at 4:30 PM ET.

The Rangers beat the Mariners and starter Felix Hernandez on Monday, winning 6-5 as +125 road underdogs while the teams played over the 8-run O/U total.

Michael Young went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer and Chris Davis added a two-run blast to lead Texas to victory.

Today, the Rangers will hand the ball to veteran right-hander Vicente Padilla (1-2, 7.42 ERA) while the Mariners counter with gifted left-hander Erik Bedard (2-1, 2.61 ERA)

Padilla has struggled since winning his first start this season, going 0-2 record and 8.14 ERA in four starts and allowing runs on eight hits in six innings in a 4-2 loss to Oakland on Thursday.

Bedard also struggled in his last start on Wednesday, allowing three runs on six hits, while walking three and hitting two batters in five innings as Seattle lost to Chicago 6-3.

Here is a look at tonight’s key trends, followed by my in-depth analysis and MLB Free Pick.

The Rangers are 9-0 in Padilla’s last 9 starts with the total set at 7.0-8.5.

The Rangers are 5-0 in Padilla’s last 5 starts as an underdog of +110 to +150.

The Mariners are 5-2 in Bedard’s last 7 starts on grass.

The Mariners are 2-5 in Bedard’s last 7 starts with 5 days of rest.

The Over is 13-2-2 in Padilla’s last 17 Tuesday starts.

The Under is 6-1 in Bedard’s last 7 starts as a home favorite.

The Rangers are 6-0 in Padilla’s last 6 starts vs. Mariners.

The Rangers are 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Seattle.

The Over is 5-1 in Padilla’s last 6 road starts vs. Mariners.

The Rangers are 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.

MLB Odds

Texas Rangers +1½ -145

Vicente Padilla –R +145

Seattle Mariners -1½ +125

Erik Bedard –L -165

Over 8 +105

Under 8 -125

Analysis: The Texas Rangers cost me a game by beating Felix Hernandez and the Mariners yesterday, but I am unperturbed and am coming back with the Mariners tonight behind their other stellar starting pitcher Erik Bedard.

Vicente Padilla is a flame-thrower for sure, but he can often grove pitches right down the middle and is definitely hittable despite his impressive fastball.

Take the Mariners to cover the Run Line with some timely hitting and a fine performance from Erik Bedard.

MLB Free Picks: Mariners -1½ Runs/Under 8 Total Runs