Houston @ Seattle preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 24, 2013 ) Seattle 3, Houston 10

The two worst teams in the American League begin a three-game series on Monday when the Houston Astros visit the Seattle Mariners. Houston has lost four straight games and owns the worst record in the AL and Seattle has lost six of nine while possessing the second-worst mark. Though Houston has tallied just five runs in its current skid, the Astros are 4-2 against the Mariners this season and have averaged 9.3 runs in the four victories.

Seattle lost three of four to the New York Yankees and scored one run in each of the losses. The Mariners have struggled with the bats all season and have scored a total of 23 runs over their last 12 defeats. Houston won two of three in its April trip to Seattle, finding Safeco Field much to its liking by racking up 24 runs, 37 hits and eight homers in the two wins.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, Comcast SportsNet Houston, ROOT (Seattle)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (3-2, 4.70 ERA) vs. Mariners RH Hisashi Iwakuma (6-1, 1.94)

Keuchel has won back-to-back outings while allowing three runs in 13 innings. He has pitched six or more innings in five of six starts since joining the rotation. Keuchel pitched two innings of hitless relief against Seattle on April 10.

Iwakuma received a no-decision in his last outing against Chicago despite allowing only three hits over eight shutout innings. He pitched 7 2/3 shutout innings while beating Minnesota in his previous start and has won four consecutive decisions. Iwakuma’s lone loss of the season was against Houston on April 23, when he struck out a season-high 11 in five innings but allowed three runs (two earned) and six hits.

WALK-OFFS

1. Astros OF Chris Carter is batting .423 with four homers in 26 at-bats against Seattle this season.

2. Mariners 3B Kyle Seager is batting .373 during a 13-game hitting streak.

3. Houston OF Brandon Barnes (hamstring) could miss his second straight game.

PREDICTION: Mariners 6, Astros 4