The mighty Mariners have taken a pair on the road from the Rangers. Third time lucky? They run out Logan Gilbert today, who is 10-3 with an ERA of 2.80. Gilbert has faced the Rangers twice this season with good success. He is a strikeout machine but has given up 4 runs twice in his last three games while pitching for 6 innings. The M’s can back him up well, with a very hot bullpen. They held the Rangers run-less in the late innings last night.

Spencer Howard (1-1, 8.04) is a recent return from the farm. He has 2 starts in July; while he was roughed up by the Orioles, his last start was much better, allowing 1 run over 5 innings. It is hard to know what to expect from Howard today, but he likely wont pitch for length, and the Cubs bullpen is overworked and lamentable (ERA +8.00) in recent games.

Texas has a very solid offense, and might get to Gilbert for a few runs today, but the Mariners are no slouches with the bats, and could have plenty of opportunity vs Howard and the Rangers’ relievers. It could be high scoring and closer than last night, but I expect the M’s to prevail. Take Seattle to win. 9 stars.