Seattle @ Boston preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 30, 2013 ) Seattle 2, Boston 8

The Boston Red Sox sent a strong message that they are all in when it comes to the American League playoff race, pulling off a three-team deal to land former Cy Young Award winner Jake Peavy from the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night. The trade for a front-line starter should provide a boost for the Red Sox heading into the middle contest of a three-game set against the visiting Seattle Mariners. Boston trails first-place Tampa Bay by a half-game in the AL East.

The Red Sox were forced to part with slick-fielding shortstop/third baseman Jose Iglesias and prospects in exchange for Peavy and reliever Brayan Villarreal, leaving a void on the left side on their infield. Seattle's pitching staff has been beat up by Boston, giving up 38 runs in four straight losses to the Red Sox this month. The Mariners hope to halt that trend when Hisashi Iwakuma takes the mound Wednesday followed by ace Felix Hernandez on Thursday.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Seattle), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Hisashi Iwakuma (10-4, 2.87 ERA) vs. Red Sox RH John Lackey (7-8, 3.19)

Iwakuma was pounded by the Red Sox for six runs - including three homers - in three innings of an 11-8 loss in Seattle on July 9, but he has rebounded to win his last three starts. The Japan native limited Minnesota to four hits and struck out nine over six scoreless innings last time out. Iwakuma has fanned 23 while permitting five runs on 18 hits in 20 innings during the win streak to lower his WHIP to 0.95.

Lackey has lost his lost two starts and been knocked around in both, serving up three homers and five runs over 6 1/3 innings versus Baltimore last time out. He gave up four runs on 10 hits in 6 1/3 innings to the New York Yankees in his previous start to halt a string of six straight outings with two or fewer runs allowed. Lackey is 4-2 with a 1.90 ERA in seven home starts.

GAME NOTEBOOK:

1. Red Sox 2B Dustin Pedroia homered and had three RBIs Tuesday, ending an 0-for-16 skid with his first extra-base hit since the All-Star break.

2. Lackey saw plenty of the Mariners from his days with the AL West-rival Los Angeles Angels, compiling a 15-10 mark and 3.60 ERA in 30 career starts.

3. Mariners LF Raul Ibanez is 22-for-57 with a homer and eight RBIs against Lackey.

PREDICTION: Mariners 5, Red Sox 3