Texas @ Seattle preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 13, 2013 ) Texas 3, Seattle 1

The Texas Rangers’ offense has gone quiet, but they’re still finding ways to win. The Rangers will look to win the four-game series against the host Seattle Mariners on Sunday. Texas has won five of its last seven games, while Seattle has lost four of its last five. Texas first baseman Mitch Moreland is batting .179 after flying out as a pinch hitter Saturday. “He's not getting results, but he's smacking balls good at some people,” manager Ron Washington told reporters.

Like the Rangers, Seattle is failing to generate much offense. The Mariners have scored three runs or fewer in four straight games and seven of their last eight. Center fielder Franklin Gutierrez has missed the last two games because of groin tightness, but is hoping to return for the series finale. The Mariners are also eagerly awaiting the return of left fielder Michael Morse, who is out with a fractured pinkie finger. Morse should be able to rejoin the lineup later this week.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Southwest (Texas), ROOT Sports (Seattle)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH Nick Tepesch (1-0, 1.23 ERA) vs. Mariners RH Brandon Maurer (0-2, 16.20)

The 24-year-old Tepesch is set to make his second career start after winning his major-league debut at home against Tampa Bay on Tuesday. He gave up one run over 7 1/3 innings against the Rays and retired 12 straight batters at one point. Manager Ron Washington raved about Tepesch, who became the 14th pitcher in Rangers history to win a start in his major-league debut. “Tremendous makeup,” Washington told reporters after the game. “Trusts his stuff, knows what he's capable of doing.”

Maurer’s jump from Double-A to the major leagues is off to a rough start, but manager Eric Wedge isn’t ready to give up yet. Maurer has given up 15 hits and 12 runs in 6 2/3 innings over his first two starts, and now he has to face the powerful Rangers lineup. “He’s going to be a good major-league pitcher,” Wedge told reporters. “He’ll just have to go through some things early on, like most of them do.” He was pulled Monday after allowing six earned runs in two-thirds of an inning against Houston.

WALK-OFFS

1. After Monday’s off day, the Mariners are scheduled to play 16 consecutive days.

2. Rangers reliever Joe Ortiz saw his streak of consecutive batters retired end at 15 on Saturday.

3. RHP Aaron Harang, acquired by the Mariners earlier this week, will start Tuesday against the Tigers at Safeco Field.

PREDICTION: Rangers 7, Mariners 5