Seattle @ Texas preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 19, 2013 ) Seattle 0, Texas 7

The Texas Rangers have been doing it with pitching this year, but Friday they finally got some support to back it up. They seek that winning formula again Saturday when they host the Seattle Mariners. Yu Darvish and two relievers combined to record 13 strikeouts and all but one Rangers starter had at least a hit in a 7-0 victory in the series opener, which dropped the team ERA to 2.89.

Texas had 10 hits Friday, which marked the first time it had scored more than four runs in a span of eight games. Of course, the Mariners are no stranger to meager offensive outputs. Friday was the first time they have been shut out in a span of 49 games, but they have scored only five runs in their last four contests. Seattle has dropped nine of its last 13 games and is tied for the American League lead with 11 losses.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, ROOT Sports (Seattle), Fox Sports Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Brandon Maurer (1-2, 9.95 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Nick Tepesch (1-1, 3.46)

Maurer's introduction to the big leagues was a rough one as he gave up 12 runs in 6 2/3 innings over his first two starts. It was a matchup with the Rangers on Sunday that got the 22-year-old right-hander going. He allowed two earned runs on five hits in six innings to outduel Tepesch, who was making only his second start in the majors. Maurer ended his last inning down 3-2, but the Mariners rallied for two runs in the bottom half of the frame to give him his first major-league victory.

Tepesch's young career has gone in the opposite direction. He tossed a gem against Tampa Bay on April 9 in his debut, but gave up four runs on nine hits in 5 2/3 innings opposite Maurer on Sunday. Tepesch struck out five and did not issue a walk, lending a silver lining to his first loss in the majors. Seattle's Kyle Seagar had a pair of doubles against Tepesch and Raul Ibanez took him deep.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mariners OF Michael Morse is 2-for-16 with five strikeouts since returning from a finger injury.

2. Texas is hitting .272 at home compared to .231 on the road.

3. Five of Rangers CF Craig Gentry's seven hits have gone for extra bases.

PREDICTION: Rangers 7, Mariners 4