Seattle @ Texas preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 8, 2011 ) Seattle 2, Texas 9

THE STORY: Texas has scored at least five runs in each of its last five games, winning four. As a result, the first-place Rangers take a 1 1/2-game lead over the Angels into Tuesday’s home tilt against the Mariners. Texas won Monday’s series opener 9-2, its fifth straight victory over Seattle, as right fielder Nelson Cruz went 3-for-4 with a homer, double and two RBIs. The Rangers rank third in the AL with 589 runs, while the Mariners are dead last with 376.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FSSW, ROOT

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH Alexi Ogando (11-5, 2.88 ERA) vs. Mariners RH Michael Pineda (9-7, 3.53 ERA)

Coming back from paternity leave, Ogando will try to make it nine straight starts without allowing more than three runs. Opponents are hitting .217 against him, and he has a sterling WHIP of 1.05. In two starts against the Mariners this season, Ogando has allowed one earned run and seven hits over 12 innings.

Pineda got some extra rest before this start as the Mariners are being cautious with their prized rookie. He allowed just one hit in 6 1/3 innings against the Rays on July 30, but in his previous six starts he had posted a 6.55 ERA. In two early-season starts against the Rangers, he allowed seven earned runs over 13 innings. Pineda has fanned 133 in 130 innings.

ABOUT THE RANGERS (65-51): Texas has won six times when trailing after seven innings and has 18 comeback victories. David Murphy has become a dangerous pinch-hitter, going 3-for-7 with three RBIs in that role. Michael Young, who on Sunday became the 11th fastest player to reach 2,000 hits, has an 11-game home hitting streak against the Mariners.

ABOUT THE MARINERS (49-65): The Mariners are embarking on another youth movement, with Dustin Ackley and Mike Carp impressing so far. Still, Seattle hasn’t won a series against any AL team besides Oakland in more than two months. The offense is so weak that the Mariners lost two of three to the Angels over the weekend despite allowing four total runs. First baseman Justin Smoak missed his fifth straight game Monday with a left thumb injury, but could be back soon.

FINAL PITCH: Texas leads the season series 9-2.