Game 34: Rangers at Mariners

So... Millwood takes the loss. This is a four game series, so the Rangers have plenty of opportunity to win or split the series. But this now makes the Rangers in DEAD last in the American League. A win today would put them into a tie for last. To split the series would tie them for last... and if the Rangers win the series, well, they wouldn't be last. So, the only thing this series means right now? Bragging rights... meaning they would not be in last place bragging rights... not too much to brag about.

Seattle's Miguel Batista faces off against Sidney Ponson tonight. Batista, in 12 games (8 starts) is 4-3 against the Rangers, and he also has a save. He has a 4.37 ERA over 55.2 innings, giving up 8 dingers. His save against the Rangers came this year, on April 2nd. Last season, Batista went 3-0 against the Rangers last season over four starts. The Rangers hit .208 against Batista last season, and the current roster is .214 against the right-hander.

Players to Watch:

• Michael Young: 8-20; 2 doubles and 3 RBIs.
• Ben Broussard: 3-7; 1 RBI

And that is about the best of it... it could be spelling trouble for tonight. With so many rookies on the Rangers lineup, Josh Hamilton, German, and others... that could be a plus or a minus, depending on how they respond.

Sidney Ponson is making his third start for the Rangers. He has a 1-0 record with a 1.35 ERA in 13.1 innings this season. In 12 career games (11 starts) against Seattle, Ponson is 2-4 (1 complete game). The Mariners bat a .292 batting average against Ponson and have clocked 14 HRs in 74.1 innings. That is one HR every 5.1 innings of work (for those scoring at home). His average is one HR every 7.2 innings (one HR every 7 innings 2 outs, not 2/10ths). In 2006 (he didn't play in 2007), he started one game against Seattle and received a no-decision. He went 6.2 innings, giving up a HR and 4 earned runs. Seattle his .208 against him in that game.

Players to Watch:

• Miguel Cairo: 8-27; 3 doubles
• Richie Sexson: 12-25 (.480 BA); 3 doubles, 4 HRs and 12 RBIs
• Ichiro Suzuki: 9-16 (.563 BA); 1 triple and 2 RBIs
• Jose Vidro: 5-13; 1 double and 2 RBIs

If this is cause to be worried... don't be. I mean, the Mariners only hit Ponson for a little .346 average. Seriously, the Rangers are in for one big butt whooping.

Forecast: Well... Seattle wins this one based on statistics. I can't go against all these numbers. Rangers can't get much going... and Seattle can't stop hitting Ponson. Score: Seattle 7-2.

Home Plate