New York @ Seattle preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 8, 2013 ) NY Yankees 3, Seattle 1

Seattle ace Felix Hernandez seeks to continue his success against the New York Yankees when the host Mariners close out a four-game set on Sunday. Hernandez is 7-2 in his last 11 starts against New York despite receiving a no-decision on May 14 when the bullpen failed to protect a lead. The Yankees have won two of three in the series after Andy Pettitte recorded his 250th career victory on Saturday.

New York has won five of its last six contests and is 10 games over .500 despite scoring just 13 more runs than its opponents. Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner had three hits in Saturday’s 3-1 victory and is 9-for-20 during a six-game hitting streak. Seattle third baseman Kyle Seager had two hits and is batting .367 during a 12-game hitting streak.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, YES (New York), ROOT (Seattle)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH David Phelps (4-3, 4.15 ERA) vs. Mariners RH Felix Hernandez (7-4, 2.58)

Phelps has won three of his last four starts and was splendid in holding Cleveland to one hit over six shutout innings on Tuesday. He lasted just one-third of an inning in his previous outing when he allowed five runs (four earned) to the New York Mets. Phelps picked up a win in relief last season in his lone career appearance against Seattle.

Hernandez has won back-to-back starts after a three-outing stretch in which he failed to pitch more than six innings. He gave up four runs and six hits in 7 1/3 innings while beating the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday. Hernandez is 8-5 with two shutouts and a 2.99 ERA in 15 career starts against New York.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mariners 1B Kendrys Morales is day to day after leaving Saturday’s contest with back stiffness.

2. New York 2B Robinson Cano (.372 in 43 at-bats) and 1B Mark Teixeira (.311, five homers in 61 at-bats) have fared well against Hernandez.

3. Seattle OF Michael Saunders is 10-for-75 over the past three-plus weeks to see his average plummet 70 points to .208.

PREDICTION: Mariners 6, Yankees 3