Ben Burns Available Picks

May, 13 2008 8:05pm EST
MONEYLINE: Seattle Mariners -122
LOSS for -3 unit(s)

Seattle Mariners at Texas Rangers

I'm playing on SEATTLE. I lost with the Mariners yesterday but am willing to come back with them again today. While the M's lost yesterday, they did show some positive signs. For starters, the offense scored 12 runs while pounding out 15 hits. That gives them 18 runs on 28 hits the past two games, a welcome sign after weeks of struggles at the plate. Additionally, despite the setback, the Mariners showed some real resiliency last night, as they rallied for four runs to tie things up in the ninth and force extra innings. I really don't think that this team has 'quit' and expect them to have some extra motivation for tonight's game. These pitchers faced each other last week at Seattle. You may recall that game, as it featured a bench-clearing brawl and started with Richie Sexson charging Gabbard on the mound. As the Mariners were the ones that lost that game, they'll be the ones looking for 'payback' tonight and the 'bad blood' towards Gabbard should be enough to help make sure that the players aren't still dwelling on last night's tough loss. While Gabbard got the better of Hernandez in last week's 'clash,' I still firmly believe that Hernandez is the better pitcher. It's also worth mentioning that Thursday's start had been Gabbard's first since coming off the 15-day disabled list, as he'd been suffering from lower back spasms, and that he left the game early due to experiencing a leg problem. Gabbard's ERA is impressive so far this season. However, his 1.479 WHIP shows that he's been rather fortunate. Additionally, he was very mediocre in his lone home start, giving up seven hits, (1 HR) two walks and three runs in 5 2/3 inninngs. That's a 4.76 ERA and 1.587 WHIP. Gabbard's not overpowering and now the Mariners have just had a look at him. The fact that Gabbard averages only averages less than five innings per start is noteworthy as the Texas bullpen is shaky, at best, and five relievers combined to pitch five innings last night. On the other hand, Hernandez is typically more capable of chewing up innings. In fact, he's averaged 7 2/3 innings per start in his three road starts this season, recording a stellar 2.78 ERA. Despite his success in limited innings last week, note that Gabbard still has an awful 2.271 WHIP in three starts vs. Seattle. All three came against Hernandez and the Mariners won the previous two of those games. Hernandez last pitched here at Texas (vs. Millwood) last August. He allowed just two runs through seven complete innings and the Mariners won by a score of 4-2. Look for the rejuvenated offense to finally provide Hernandez with some run support, as the M's avenge last week's loss and even up the series, dropping the Rangers to 12-18 the last 30 times that they scored 10 runs or more in the previous game. *AL Personal Favorite.