Seattle @ Los Angeles preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 25, 2012 ) Seattle 4, LA Angels 5

The Los Angeles Angels are running out of time to land a wild card spot but seek their fifth straight victory when they host the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday. The Angels won the opener of the series for their 23rd win in 32 games but are still two games behind the Oakland Athletics for the American League’s second wild card. Seattle struck out 20 times on Tuesday, matching the record for most strikeouts in a nine-inning game.

The Mariners have lost eight of 11 games and their offensive issues were on display in the opener. Second baseman Dustin Ackley struck out four times and Trayvon Robinson and Brendan Ryan fanned three times apiece. The one man swinging the bat well for Seattle is first baseman Justin Smoak, who became the fourth player in franchise history to homer from both sides of the plate in the same game. Los Angeles rookie Mike Trout went 2-for-4 and scored twice to tie the franchise record of 124 runs scored set by Vladimir Guerrero in 2004. Trout is batting .333 with a homer and five RBIs in 18 career at-bats against Seattle ace Felix Hernandez.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, ROOT (Seattle), Fox Sports West (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Felix Hernandez (13-8, 2.85 ERA) vs. Angels LH C.J. Wilson (12-10, 3.82)

Hernandez pitched well in his last outing after a string of three consecutive horrible outings. He gave up 16 earned runs and 30 hits in the three straight losses before allowing one run and six hits in eight innings during a no-decision against the Baltimore Orioles. Hernandez is 0-2 with a 5.75 ERA in three starts against the Angels this season. He is 6-11 with a 3.89 ERA in 28 career starts against Los Angeles.

Wilson lasted just 2 2/3 innings against the Texas Rangers in his last start to continue a disappointing season. He gave up three runs, four hits and three walks before being removed and is just 3-6 with a 5.42 ERA over his past 16 starts. Wilson defeated the Mariners on May 27 when he gave up one run and two hits in six innings. He is 10-5 with a 3.88 ERA in 48 career appearances (11 starts) against Seattle.

WALK-OFFS

1. Smoak is batting .486 (17-for-35) over his last 10 games.

2. Angels OF Torii Hunter hit a two-run homer in the opener. He is batting .328 against Hernandez but has never homered off him in 61 career at-bats.

3. Mariners OF Michael Saunders missed the opener due to the birth of his first child. It hasn’t been determined if he will rejoin the club before the end of the series.