The Seattle Mariners ended a four game skid last night as they tied this three game set against the Texas Rangers 1-1. I like their chances of making it two in a row by winning the series-finale against a terrible Texas team with a struggling pitcher on the mound.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Mariners will hand the ball to James Paxton (0-1, 5.11 ERA) who's had a disappointing start to the season. Perhaps a game against the Rangers at home is exactly what the 26 year old need to kick-start the season though. He was 3-0 with a 2.12 ERA over five outings at Safeco last year, and allowed only one run on nine hits in 12 2/3 innings over two meetings against Texas. The Rangers will counter with Ross Detwiler (0-2, 9.00 ERA) who's start to the season makes Paxton's look pretty decent in comparison. He was torched for eight runs, five earned, on 10 hits over 4 1/3 innings at Oakland his only road outing for the year so far and has allowed opponents to bat .383 over his first two outings.

2. The Rangers Bullpen - No other bullpen in the majors has seen more action than the Rangers' so far on the year. It has been called out into action for a total of 48 2/3 innings over 12 games, and have not done a particularly good job compiling a 3.70 ERA. Considering Detwiler's struggles they're likely to see plenty of innings tonight as well, much to the delight of the Mariners line-up.

3. X-Factor - Nelson Cruz is swinging a hot bat, going 13-for-27 with six homers and nine RBIs over a seven-game hitting streak.


Selection: This is a play on the Seattle Mariners