One of the better starting pitchers this month is Mike Leake. Yeah, that Mike Leake. He's quietly posted a 2-1 record with a 2.59 ERA in four July starts. One of those victories came against the Rangers six days ago, 5-3. Leake held Texas to three runs in seven innings. Leake has a 22-to-2 strikeout-to-walk ratio in his past four outings.

Seattle has been below-the-radar, too, winning its last five games. The Mariners have allowed just 10 runs during their five-game win streak.

The Rangers have fallen back to Earth losing 11 of their last 14 games. They are 7-17 during their past 24 games and are looking to deal their best pitcher, Mike Minor, realizing that making the postseason is not a realistic goal anymore.

Texas is 1-7 the past eight times facing a righty starter. The Rangers also are without their top power hitter with Joey Gallo sidelined.

I like Leake in his current form better than Texas starter Ariel Jurado, who is 2-4 with a 5.45 ERA in 10 home starts.

The Mariners' bullpen is bolstered by the return of Hunter Strickland. The Rangers, by contrast, have one of the worst bullpens and it's made worse by their closer, Shawn Kelley, being out.

(Editor's note: Stephen Nover is perfect the past two days and has his strongest MLB interleague totals play of the summer going today in addition to this free selection. Stephen is one of the top handicapper's in North America. All of his plays come with unique, detailed analysis and all plays are guaranteed.)