The Mariners are hot, winning five of seven games. The Rangers, after winning 5 of 6, have now lost three in a row. Both teams have solid starters on the mound today. Seattle lefty Gonzales (3.55 ERA) doesn’t overpower anyone but has been getting consistent results, if not wins. Opposing teams, including the Rangers have hit Gonzales well recently, but he usually manages to keep the run totals down. He doesn’t get much support from Mariners’ batters, and his walks to strikeout ratio lately has not been good.

Rangers starter Otto (4.33 ERA) has been very sharp, particularly in his last 3 games. One extremely poor start skewed his ERA, but otherwise, he has pitched very consistently, giving up just 4 runs in his last 18 innings.

While the Rangers’ bullpen failed them in the ninth last night, they have been very good for the year, especially in the last few weeks. The Mariners’ pen has struggled this year, with a real inability to finish games. They have converted just 8 of 15 save opportunities.

I am on the Rangers tonight. They hit left handed pitching well and have had good success vs Gonzales. The Mariners have not been great on the road, and some of Gonzales’ recent stats are concerning. Look for Otto and the bullpen to put it together tonight. Rangers to win.