Overview
The Seattle Mariners open up the 2016 season in Texas were they take on division rivals the Texas Rangers. The Mariners played the Rangers well last season winning 12 of 18 meetings including 6 of 9 played in Texas.
Texas Rangers Trends
Mariners are 5-0 in Hernandezs last 5 starts vs. Rangers.
Mariners are 9-4 in the last 13 meetings in Texas.
The Texas Rangers finished 1st in the American League West last season with an 88-74 record although to be fair the AL West was probably the weakest division in the Majors last season. I think the Rangers will have a decent team again this season but I have my doubts if they can win the division again.
On the hill for the Rangers today is lefty Cole Hamels who went 13-8 last season with a 3.65 ERA between the Philles and Rangers. Hamels was ok last season but I don’t think he is the dominant pitcher he used to be and I think his best years are behind him.
Texas Rangers Trends
Rangers are 6-0 in Hamels’ last 6 home starts.
Rangers are 1-5 in their last 6 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
Seattle Mariners (+115)
The Seattle Mariners finished 4th in the American League West last season with a 76-86 record. The Mariners actually played fairly well last season and were right in the race for the top spot in the West but they have a bit of an epic collapse late losing 9 of their last 11 games.
Starting for the Mariners in this one is Felix Hernandez who had another good year last season going 18-9 with a 3.53 ERA in 31 starts. Hernandez’s numbers were down a little last season he had under 200 strikeouts for the first time since 2008 and he also gave up 23 home runs which was the most since his second season back in 2006.
Seattle Mariners Trends
Mariners are 1-4 in their last 5 games vs. a left-handed starter.
Mariners are 21-7 in Hernandezs last 28 starts vs. American League West.
Conclusion
I’m going with the Seattle Mariners over the Rangers in this one. I like King Felix over Cole Hamels I think Hernandez is the better pitcher and when betting baseball early in the season it’s always a solid strategy to bet more underdogs.
Free Pick: Seattle Mariners +115
