Los Angeles @ Seattle preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 14, 2013 ) LA Angels 3, Seattle 4

Felix Hernandez attempts to take advantage of Los Angeles’ injury-ravaged lineup on Friday when the Seattle Mariners open a three-game series against the visiting Angels. Albert Pujols (foot) is done for the season and Mike Trout (hamstring) is expected to miss the opener as Los Angeles attempts to pin a loss on the American League Cy Young candidate. Hernandez is just 8-12 against the Angels but threw eight shutout innings to defeat Los Angeles on July 13.

Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton has shown signs of life recently with three homers, nine RBIs and six multi-hit outings over his last 13 contests. Hamilton typically struggles against Hernandez and is 8-for-56 with 17 strikeouts and one homer against the Seattle ace. Mariners designated hitter Kendrys Morales is batting .280 with one homer against the club that dealt him to Seattle in the offseason. He is just 3-for-23 over his last six games.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FSW (Los Angeles), ROOT (Seattle)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Garrett Richards (3-5, 4.24 ERA) vs. Mariners RH Felix Hernandez (12-6, 2.62)

Richards strung together four consecutive solid starts before giving up five runs and a career-worst 12 hits in six innings in a no-decision against Houston on Saturday. He is 0-2 with a 5.52 ERA in four appearances (one start) against Seattle this season. Richards allowed five runs and nine hits in seven innings while losing the April 25 starting assignment.

Hernandez allowed five or more runs in two of his last three outings and issued nine walks in 18 innings during the stretch. He lasted only five innings against Texas in his last start, giving up five runs, as many hits and a season-high five walks. Hernandez has a 3.97 ERA in 33 career starts against the Angels and is 2-0 with a 3.00 ERA in three 2013 outings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Seattle 2B Nick Franklin might return to the lineup after missing Wednesday’s game due to a left knee laceration.

2. The Angels have lost four consecutive games and 13 of their last 17.

3. Mariners 3B Kyle Seager (6-for-11) and OF Michael Saunders (4-for-8) have fared well against Richards.

PREDICTION: Mariners 4, Angels 1