Milwaukee @ Seattle preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 10, 2013 ) Milwaukee 10, Seattle 0

American League ERA leader Felix Hernandez attempts to bounce back from his first loss since late May when the Seattle Mariners conclude a three-game series against the visiting Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday. Hernandez lost to the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday to suffer a defeat for the first time since May 25. Milwaukee is going for the sweep after racking up 20 runs and 27 hits while drubbing Seattle the past two nights.

The Brewers hadn’t reached double digits in runs scored since June 12 prior to putting 10 on the scoreboard in each of the first two games of the series. Milwaukee has won four of its last five contests while floundering Seattle has lost 11 of its last 16 games. Mariners designated hitter Kendrys Morales is hitless in eight at-bats in the series after a torrid 20-for-38 stretch.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee), ROOT (Seattle)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Wily Peralta (8-11, 4.42 ERA) vs. Mariners RH Felix Hernandez (11-5, 2.39)

Peralta defeated San Francisco in his last outing when he gave up one run and five hits in 6 1/3 innings. The strong outing followed consecutive losses in which he allowed 12 runs (eight earned) in 8 2/3 innings. Peralta is 4-5 with a 4.28 ERA in 12 road starts.

Hernandez gave up six runs (three earned) and nine hits in five innings in the loss to Toronto that halted a 12-start unbeaten string. The 27-year-old allowed eight runs over his previous seven starts. Hernandez’s strikeouts-to-walk ratio is more than 5-to-1 as he has fanned 169 while walking just 32.

WALK-OFFS

1. Milwaukee C Jonathan Lucroy had four hits in Saturday’s victory after going 3-for-26 over his previous seven games.

2. Mariners 1B Justin Smoak was 0-for-4 on Saturday to end a nine-game hitting streak.

3. Brewers CF Carlos Gomez had two hits for his first multi-hit outing since July 28.

PREDICTION: Brewers 5, Mariners 3