Mariners at Rangers
Elvis Andrus has struggled to contribute offensively for the better part of the last two months, but he provided just what the Texas Rangers needed in their last contest. The Rangers try to win three in a row for the first time in nearly a month Sunday when they attempt to earn a series victory in the finale of their four-game set at home against the Seattle Mariners.
Andrus entered Saturday batting .216 over his previous 49 games and was hitless in his last 16 at-bats before doubling in two of his last three plate appearances - the last of which sparked Texas' two-run rally when he scored on a fielder's choice groundout in the ninth inning en route to 3-2 victory. The two-time All-Star's first double scored rookie Jose Trevino for the Rangers' first run and halted a stretch in which he only had five hits in his previous 55 at-bats with runners in scoring position. The Mariners have dropped five of six following a 6-2 stretch, watching their bullpen collapse Saturday after their relievers had posted a 2.20 ERA since Aug. 13 entering the contest. Mallex Smith, who stole his majors-best 39th base, singled twice in four at-bats and is 7-for-14 with two walks out of the leadoff spot in this series.
TV: 3:05 p.m. ET, ROOT Northwest (Seattle), FS Southwest (Texas)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners LH Yusei Kikuchi (5-9, 5.36 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Brett Martin (1-2, 4.56)
Kikuchi was unable to build upon his two-hit shutout in his previous outing Aug. 18 at Toronto, giving up five runs on eight hits - including two homers - and three walks over four innings in Tuesday's loss to the New York Yankees. Since beginning the season 3-1 with a 3.43 ERA in his first 11 turns, the 28-year-old is 2-8 with a 6.84 ERA across his last 16 trips to the mound. Kikuchi struck out two in one perfect inning as an opener against Texas on April 26.
Martin will serve as the opener for the second time this season - both against Seattle - and also make his 44th appearance overall. The Tennessee native went through a rough spell over the middle of August when he allowed at least one run in four straight relief efforts, but he has bounced back with three scoreless appearances over a combined 4 2/3 innings. Martin has faced the Mariners more than any other team in his rookie season, going 0-1 with a 3.97 ERA in seven games overall.
WALK-OFFS
1. Each of Rangers UTIL Danny Santana's hits during his 3-for-35 slump have been home runs.
2. Despite going 0-for-4 on Saturday, Seattle 3B Kyle Seager is still batting .339 over his last 35 games.
3. Texas 2B Rougned Odor is batting .194 for the season, but he is hitting .395 during a 10-game on-base streak against Seattle.