Seattle @ Philadelphia preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 19, 2011 ) Philadelphia 0, Seattle 2

After moving past Detroit for the second wild card in the American League on Sunday, the Seattle Mariners look to avoid a letdown Monday when they visit the Philadelphia Phillies for the start of a three-game series. The Mariners have won 10 of their last 12 games and have not allowed five runs in a game this month, while Philadelphia has been working to fill holes in its starting rotation all season. Seattle completed a three-game series sweep of Detroit on Sunday with an 8-1 victory and moved a half-game ahead of the Tigers for the AL’s final playoff spot.

The Phillies have lost five of their last six, but center fielder Ben Revere ranks among the hottest hitters of the second half while batting .382 in 24 games since July 22. “He's on fire the way he's putting the ball in play,” manager Ryne Sandberg told reporters. “He's continued to use the whole field and finding holes.” Seattle outfielder Michael Saunders, who has been out since July 11 with a strained oblique, is expected to rejoin the team later this week after completing his minor-league rehab assignment.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ROOT (Seattle), CSN Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners LH Roenis Elias (9-9, 4.14 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Jerome Williams (0-0, 2.38)

Elias was sent to Triple-A Tacoma following his last start in an effort to limit his innings, but the rookie is due back to make his first career appearance against Philadelphia. After struggling late in the first half, the 26-year-old has a 2.08 ERA and 26 strikeouts in his last four starts covering 21 2/3 innings. Elias allowed two runs on a season-low two hits over 5 2/3 innings in his last start Aug. 7 against the Chicago White Sox.

Williams turned in a solid outing Tuesday in his Phillies debut while holding the Angels to two runs over 5 1/3 innings. The 32-year-old, who was claimed off waivers from Texas, has appeared in 29 games – including three starts – for the Astros and Rangers this season. Williams has gone 5-2 with a 3.58 ERA in 15 career games (seven starts) against the Mariners, including a 5.14 ERA in three relief appearances this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Seattle OF James Jones was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma after Sunday’s game to make room for Elias.

2. The Mariners have won seven of their nine all-time meetings against the Phillies.

3. Manager Lloyd McClendon was ejected in each of Seattle's last two games by umpire Tony Randazzo.

PREDICTION: Mariners 7, Phillies 3