Mariners at Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays continue to win games at home. Elliot Johnson’s RBI single gave the Rays a 3-2 victory over the Seattle Mariners in the 12th inning on Monday in the first of a four-game series, giving Tampa Bay nine victories in 10 contests at home. The Rays have won 21 of their last 24 at Tropicana Field, dating back to last season. The bad news is that Rays all-star third baseman Evan Longoria was injured sliding into second base early in the game and left with knee soreness.
The Mariners seemed to be catching fire after getting a perfect game pitched against them, scoring 34 runs in five games. But Seattle has produced four runs the last three games – all losses. Ichiro Suzuki is 5-for-14 the last three games and Miguel Olivo was 2-for-4 with a homer on Monday, but the catcher left the game with an apparent groin injury.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ROOT Sports (Seattle), SunSports (Tampa)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Hector Noesi (1-2, 8.83) vs. Rays LH Matt Moore (0-1, 4.68)
Noesi allowed five hits and four runs over five-plus innings in his last start against Detroit on Thursday, although he no-hit the Tigers for the first 4 1/3 innings. He has given up 22 hits, including four homers, over 17 1/3 innings this season. Noesi was 0-1 against the Rays last season, his first in the majors, giving up 12 hits and five runs over 10 2/3 innings.
The 22-year-old Moore was better in his last start, allowing five hits and two runs over 5 2/3 innings against the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday. He struck out six and walked two – both season bests. Moore has given up 25 hits in 25 innings, while striking out 17 and walking 14.
WALK-OFFS
1. Tampa Bay will play 10 games in all against Seattle this season, seven at home.
2. Seattle shortstop Brendan Ryan is 0-for-20 in his last seven games.
3. Newly acquired Rays utilityman Brandon Allen is 2-for-2 against Noesi with a home run.