Seattle @ Texas preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 16, 2013 ) Seattle 3, Texas 1

The Texas Rangers averaged a shade less than six runs during a sizzling 14-2 stretch that carried them to the top of the American League West, but they were shut down in a 3-1 series-opening loss to the visiting Seattle Mariners on Friday. Getting the offense back on track figures to be a daunting task on Saturday against Mariners ace Felix Hernandez, who has lost once since a 5-2 defeat versus Texas on May 25. Hernandez, though, has more losses (18) versus the Rangers than any other team.

The Rangers are clinging to a half-game lead over Oakland atop the American League West but a soft schedule gives them an edge. Texas is the middle of a stretch that features eight consecutive series against teams with sub-.500 records before they visit the Athletics during the first week of September. Cleanup hitter Adrian Beltre continues to swing a hot bat, reaching base in all four plate appearances Friday and posting his 11th multiple-hit game in his last 17.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, ROOT (Seattle), FSN Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Felix Hernandez (12-5, 2.28 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Martin Perez (5-3, 3.44)

Hernandez is coming off a sensational effort, limiting Milwaukee to four hits while striking out nine in eight scoreless innings. He lost his previous outing to Toronto, giving up six runs (three earned) in five innings, which marked his only defeat in his last 14 starts. Texas has been a nemesis for Hernandez, who is 0-2 in three starts to the Rangers this season and is 12-18 against them in 37 starts.

Perez tossed his first career complete game in his last start, giving up one run on four hits in a 6-1 victory at Houston. It was the third consecutive stellar outing for Perez, who has permitted four runs and 12 hits over 22 2/3 innings in that stretch. Perez faced the Mariners on July 4, giving up one run - none earned - on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings and has a 1.84 in four appearances against them.

WALK-OFFS

1. Hernandez is 5-8 with a 4.23 ERA in 17 career starts in Texas.

2. Mariners 3B Kyle Seager halted an 0-for-21 skid with a two-run homer Friday, boosting his season average against the Rangers to .414 with three homers and 10 RBIs.

3. Rangers RF Alex Rios is 7-for-23 in six games since he was acquired from the Chicago White Sox. He's a career .330 hitter versus Seattle.

PREDICTION: Mariners 3, Rangers 2