Cleveland @ Seattle preview

Cleveland at Seattle

Last Meeting ( Aug 20, 2012 ) Cleveland 3, Seattle 5

Things don't figure to get any easier for the struggling Cleveland Indians on Tuesday as they face Felix Hernandez and the streaking Seattle Mariners in the middle game of their three-game series. Cleveland suffered its sixth consecutive loss in Monday's series opener, falling to 1-6 on its nine-game road trip. Now the Indians are faced with the daunting task of taking on a pitcher that tossed a perfect game his last time out.

Hernandez retired all 27 Tampa Bay batters he faced on Wednesday to record the 23rd perfect game in major-league history. The Mariners, who also won the previous game, have not lost since as they extended their winning streak to six games Monday. Michael Saunders belted a pair of two-run homers in the 5-3 triumph, which was Seattle's 13th in its last 14 home contests. The club, which has won eight of nine overall, is 6-1 on its nine-game homestand.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, STO (Cleveland), Root Sports (Seattle)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Roberto Hernandez (0-1, 7.50 ERA) vs. Mariners RH Felix Hernandez (11-5, 2.60)

Roberto Hernandez struggled in his season debut Wednesday, surrendering eight runs - five earned - and 10 hits over six innings in a loss to the Angels in Los Angeles. It was the first start since Sept. 25 for the 31-year-old, who formerly was known as Fausto Carmona. Roberto Hernandez is 2-3 with one complete game in eight career meetings against the Mariners, including one relief appearance.

Felix Hernandez struck out 12 during his perfect game against the Rays, which also was his second shutout in three starts. The former American League Cy Young Award winner is 7-0 with a 1.56 ERA over his last 12 outings, last losing June 12 to San Diego. The 26-year-old Venezuelan fell to 5-4 lifetime against the Indians after yielding eight runs - six earned - and 10 hits in only 3 2/3 innings - his shortest start of the season - at Cleveland on May 16. He was forced to settle for a no-decision against the Indians at home on April 19 despite striking out 12 over eight scoreless frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. Felix Hernandez became the first Mariners pitcher to be named AL Player of the Week since May 7, 2006, when Joel Pineiro received the honor.

2. The Indians have lost eight of 10 and 19 of 23 but have won four of six against the Mariners this year.

3. Seattle's Trayvon Robinson set the franchise record for a left fielder by recording 10 putouts on Monday. Robinson fell one shy of Willie Horton's major-league mark for the position.