Texas @ Seattle preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 14, 2012 ) Texas 0, Seattle 7

The powerful Texas Rangers are in an offensive slump as they meet the host Seattle Mariners in Sunday’s finale of the three-game series. The Rangers were blanked on three hits by Seattle ace Felix Hernandez on Saturday and have scored four or fewer runs in nine straight contests. Texas has tallied just 20 times and been held to one or fewer runs four times in July. Seattle is a surprising 6-6 against the Rangers.

Texas still has a five-game lead in the American League West despite its recent offensive woes. Seattle has struggled to score runs most of the season but put seven on the board in Saturday’s victory. John Jaso had two RBIs – including a homer – and manager Eric Wedge indicates he will find ways to get Jaso in the lineup more often. Jaso has a team-best .281 average despite being just 1-for-21 against left-handers. Rangers star Josh Hamilton has just two RBIs in July, both coming on solo homers, and outfielder Nelson Cruz hasn’t gone deep since June 23.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Southwest (Texas), ROOT (Seattle)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Matt Harrison (11-4, 3.10 ERA) vs. Mariners RH Hisashi Iwakuma (1-1, 4.84)

Harrison is 2-0 against Seattle this season while giving up just three runs in 15 innings. He is 8-1 with a 2.51 ERA in 15 career appearances (11 starts) against the Mariners. Harrison had won seven straight decisions before falling to the Chicago White Sox in his last outing before the All-Star break. He gave up two runs in eight innings.

Iwakuma is making his second big-league start. He gave up three runs and as many hits in five innings while losing to the Baltimore Orioles in his starting debut on July 2. Iwakuma notched a three-inning save against Texas in May despite giving up three runs in his lone appearance against the Rangers.

WALK-OFFS

1. Sunday’s game marks the 13th anniversary of Safeco Field. The Mariners opened the ballpark against the San Diego Padres on July 15, 1999.

2. Texas catcher Mike Napoli (quadriceps) will miss his second straight game and might not return to the lineup until late next week.

3. Mariners second baseman Dustin Ackley (15 at-bats) and catcher Miguel Olivo (14 at-bats) are hitless against Harrison.