Texas @ Seattle preview

Last Meeting ( May 24, 2013 ) Texas 9, Seattle 5

The Seattle Mariners have lost a season-worst seven straight games and ace Felix Hernandez attempts to bounce back from his worst outing of the season when he faces the visiting Texas Rangers on Saturday. Hernandez allowed six runs (five earned) and eight hits in five innings while losing to the Cleveland Indians on May 19 and hasn’t won since May 8. Texas defeated Seattle 9-5 in Friday’s series opener for its 11th win in 15 games.

Texas is 6-2 against the Mariners this season and has won the last four by a combined 32-8. Lance Berkman hit a three-run homer and Jeff Baker hit a two-run blast Friday. The Rangers lead the American League West by 5 1/2 games over the Oakland Athletics. Seattle has been outscored 55-21 during its losing skid, including 28-6 over the last three outings. The Mariners are attempting to shake up the cast by demoting catcher Jesus Montero and designating infielder Robert Andino for assignment.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Derek Holland (3-2, 3.30 ERA) vs. Mariners RH Felix Hernandez (5-3, 2.07)

Holland has allowed four runs and eight hits in each of his last two outings, taking no-decisions in each. He has allowed eight runs in 10 1/3 innings during the stretch after giving up four earned runs in 22 innings over his previous three starts. Holland allowed two home runs in his last start after giving up two over his first eight outings. He is 7-2 with a 3.74 ERA in 13 career appearances (nine starts) against Seattle.

Hernandez traditionally struggles against the Rangers and lost to Texas on April 11 when he gave up four runs (three earned) and 10 hits in 6 2/3 innings. He is 12-17 with a 3.77 ERA in 35 career starts against the Rangers. Hernandez had allowed four earned runs in 44 innings over a six-start span before being touched up by the Indians. He has struck out 72 and walked 12 in 69 2/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rangers SS Elvis Andrus is 3-for-19 in five games since producing a 5-for-5 outing against Detroit on May 18.

2. Mariners OF Raul Ibanez hit the 400th double of his career Friday.

3. Texas OF David Murphy is batting .303 with two homers in 66 career at-bats against Hernandez.

PREDICTION: Rangers 6, Mariners 4