This is an 8* AL SIDE PLAY on the Rangers.

Seattle is surging towards the All Star break, but I believe it'll stumble here after taking both games in the Nation's capital yesterday.

Texas took two of three from Oakland earlier in the week here, including yesterday's contest 5-2 and I expect it to carry that momentum over here.

Marco Gonzalez (5-9, 3.24 ERA) gets the call for the Mariners, and he'll be opposed by Martin Perez (7-2, 2.72.)

Gonzalez is coming off a win over the Jays, hoild them to three runs over six innings, while Perez is off a no-decision to the Twins, allowing six runs over six innings.

Gonzalez has faced the Rangers twice this season and he's 0-1 over 11 innings, allowing nine runs in the process. Perez has faced the Mariners once this season and he received a no-decision despite allowing just two runs over six innings.

Gonzalez is 2-5 with a 3.29 ERA on the road, while Perez is 4-2 with a 2.92 ERA at home.

Look for the road weary Mariners to come out flat in the opener of this four-game series.

Great value here on the RANGERS.

Good luck, NP