What better way to start the month than a matchup between two of the top right-handers in the American League? The New York Yankees put Michael Pineda on the mound at Safeco Field in the opener of a three-game set against Seattle. The Mariners counter with King Felix Hernandez for a tantalizing pitching matchup. Read on for a breakdown of this primetime baseball action.
There’s plenty more exciting games on deck, but the Pirates vs. Giants is one that stands out tonight. Check out our complete preview for that game here.
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New York Yankees vs. Seattle Mariners Preview
Where: Safeco Field, Seattle, WA
When: Monday, June 1, 10:10 PM ET
Line: New York Yankees (+145) at Seattle Mariners (-160); total 6.0 – view all MLB lines
Betting on the New York Yankees
Michael Pineda (6-2, 3.36 ERA) turned plenty of heads on May 10, striking out 16 in seven innings at Yankee Stadium. But he followed up that performance by surrendering nine earned runs in his next 11.1 innings of action. Pineda may be back in form right before facing his former team, Seattle, after limiting Kansas City’s AL-best batting (.282) to just one earned run on six hits on May 27.
[sc:MLB240banner ]The right-hander hasn’t had much experience against the Mariners’ batters in his career (20 at-bats), but he has limited Nelson Cruz, Seattle’s leader in home runs (18), batting average (.335) and RBIs (38), to 2-of-10 in his career. The Yankees need an excellent performance from Pineda if they are to string together a couple of wins on the road. They have won just two of their last 12 road games.
New York could also use some help at the plate. Mark Teixeira could be the Yankees’ answer to Seattle’s Felix Hernandez. The Yankees’ cleanup hitter is slugging .594 against the Mariners ace, the highest mark among batters with at least 60 at-bats against Hernandez.
Alex Rodriguez, who’s on a 10-game hitting streak, should also be a steady contributor at the plate. A-Rod is hitting .405 during his streak with a double, a homer and five RBIs. He has hit .261 and has drawn five walks in his career against Hernandez.
The Yankees are on a five-game win streak at Safeco Field.
Banking on these Bronx Bombers to extend their streak in Seattle? Create a betting account now and make your picks.
Betting on the Seattle Mariners
The Mariners could find themselves back on the win column with King Felix back on the mound. Hernandez was stellar in his last outing, tossing a four-hit complete game in a 3-0 win over the Rays on Wednesday. The Mariners have won nine of Hernandez’ 10 starts this season.
Having Hernandez soak up innings is crucial ahead of this game. Seattle’s bullpen may be sporting sore arms after seven relievers threw seven innings in Sunday’s 6-3, 12-inning loss. Four relievers also pitched on Saturday. Hernandez is 3-0 with a 1.49 ERA in his last five starts against the Yankees.
Getting run support for the Seattle ace may be difficult though. The Mariners’ offense has been off over the past few games. Seattle’s batters have hit just .192 and scored 14 runs while striking out 60 times in the last five games. Seattle ranks 26th in the majors in runs scored (183).
Kyle Seager, one of Seattle’s better batters this season (.272 batting average), has gone 3 for 17 with no runs and RBIs in his last five games. But the aforementioned Cruz could breathe some life into Seattle’s batting. He’s gone 7 for 28 with one homer, four RBIs and three runs scored in the past seven days.
Seattle has lost four of its last six at home.
Writer’s Prediction
The Yankees (+145) take over after Hernandez exits after the seventh inning.
