Texas @ Seattle preview

Last Meeting ( May 25, 2013 ) Texas 5, Seattle 2

The Texas Rangers continue to dominate Seattle and are one victory away from sweeping the host Mariners for the second time this season when the teams wrap up a three-game series Sunday. Texas is 7-2 against Seattle this season after beating Mariners ace Felix Hernandez for the 18th time in Saturday’s contest. Seattle has lost a season-worst eight consecutive games and has been outscored 60-23 during the skid. Texas has won 12 of its last 16.

The Rangers have won the last five meetings with the Mariners by a combined 37-10. David Murphy had three RBIs and Nelson Cruz hit his 12th homer of the season in Saturday’s 5-2 victory. Texas leads the American League West by 5 1/2 games over the Oakland Athletics. Seattle has allowed five or more runs in all eight games of its skid. The Mariners were flirting with .500 in the middle of the month but have fallen nine games below. Seattle has scored two or fewer runs in four of its last six losses.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH Nick Tepesch (3-4, 3.98 ERA) vs. Mariners RH Hisashi Iwakuma (5-1, 2.37)

Tepesch missed his last turn because of a blister on his right middle finger. His last outing was May 17 against Detroit when he gave up two runs and six hits in five innings while suffering the loss. Tepesch lost to Seattle on April 14 when he gave up four runs and nine hits in 5 2/3 innings. He started against the Mariners again six days later and had to leave after 1 2/3 innings when a line drive off the bat of Jesus Montero hit him on the right wrist.

Iwakuma is coming off his worst outing of the season, giving up five runs and seven hits in six innings while taking a no-decision against the Cleveland Indians. He allowed only eight earned runs over his previous seven starts. Iwakuma beat the Rangers on April 12 when he gave up one run and three hits in 6 2/3 innings. He is 2-2 with a 4.33 ERA in five career appearances (four starts) against Texas.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rangers closer Joe Nathan has recorded saves in the first two games of the series and has converted 36 consecutive save opportunities on the road.

2. Mariners 1B Justin Smoak suffered a oblique injury Saturday and his status for the series finale is unclear.

3. Texas OF David Murphy is 5-for-12 with a homer against Iwakuma.

PREDICTION: Rangers 7, Mariners 4