Seattle @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 5, 2013 ) Seattle 8, Chi. White Sox 7

Felix Hernandez, who signed a seven-year, $175-million deal during the off-season, hopes to continue making good on that investment when the Seattle Mariners visit the Chicago White Sox on Saturday. Hernandez started 2013 with another stellar performance, allowing three hits in 7 2/3 shutout innings in Monday's victory at Oakland. Hernandez, the 2010 American League Cy Young award winner, finished fourth in the voting last season and pitched a perfect game Aug. 15 against Tampa Bay.

The White Sox matched their run output from their first three games (seven) in Friday’s 8-7 10-inning loss to Seattle. Second baseman Gordon Beckham has provided punch from the bottom of the lineup, hitting .500. Chicago first baseman Paul Konerko moved past Frank Thomas into third place on the franchise’s hit list with 2,137 after an RBI single in the fourth inning Friday.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, ROOT Sports (Seattle), Comcast SportsNet Chicago Plus

PITCHING MATCHUP: Seattle RH Felix Hernandez (1-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Chicago RH Dylan Axelrod (2012: 2-2, 5.47)

Hernandez is one of baseball’s more durable pitchers. The right-hander has pitched 232 innings or more the past four years, winning 59 games in that stretch. Hernandez, who turns 27 on Monday, is one victory away from 100 for his career.

With John Danks not ready to rejoin the White Sox, Chicago turns to Axelrod to fill the back spot in the rotation. Axelrod made seven starts in 14 appearances last season, but started in 40 of his past 42 minor-league games dating back to 2011. Axelrod has never faced the Mariners.

WALK-OFFS

1. Axelrod’s ERA as a starter in 10 major-league starts is 4.50, substantially lower than his ERA in eight relief appearances (5.93).

2. After starting the season 1-for-12 with five strikeouts, Chicago CF Alejandro De Aza had two hits – including a homer – Friday.

3. Chicago’s bullpen fired five no-hit innings Friday before Nate Jones gave up two runs on four hits in the 10th inning.

PREDICTION: Mariners 4, White Sox 2