Jared Weaver (7-5, 3.68) vs. Felix Hernandez (7-6, 3.85)
Very, very important game for the Mariners tonight. They cannot afford to fall 5 games back with only 2 months to play. Especially with a tough weekend series against the Boston Red Soxs coming up. With a win the M's are 3 back of the division lead, staying within striking distance.
This is the kind of game where Felix can prove himself. He cannot lose his cool and let the umpire or environment affect his performance. If he goes out and has a quality start he can establish himself as this team's ace and a big-game pitcher. So far this year he has not shown to be the team's Number 1 starter. Once he was injured he has been more like the number 2 or even 3 starter on occasion.
The Angels bullpen is fresh. Their starters have thrown back-to-back CGs. The Mariners bullpen has been used quite a bit this series, but at least Putz got the night off yesterday. Felix is going to need to get into the 7th tonight for the M's to have a chance to win.
Wildcard-leading Cleveland hosts Texas tonight. John Rheinecker vs. Paul Byrd. Rheinecker is the pitcher the M's faced last week who went 7 innings giving up 6 hits and 1 run, picking up the win. Rangers' hitters Sammy Sosa (5-13, 3 HR) and Jerry Hairston (4-9, 1 HR) have had success against Byrd. A Texas win would assure the M's of only being 1-1/2 back in the wildcard, where they could get to 1/2 if the beat the Angels.
