Rays at Mariners
After going deep just once in May, Mitch Haniger already has equaled that total this month and did so in dramatic fashion. Haniger smacked the game-winning homer in the 13th inning of the series opener and looks to help Seattle defeat Tampa Bay again on Saturday, when the Mariners host the Rays in the middle contest of a three-game set.
Haniger's 12th homer of the season provided Seattle with a 4-3 victory - its 11th triumph in 14 games. The Mariners continue to thrive in close contests as Haniger's blast makes them 17-9 in one-run games and 6-0 in extra-inning affairs. Tampa Bay is just 9-13 in one-run contests and has dropped back-to-back games after winning its previous five. Matt Duffy registered his second three-hit effort in three games and delivered a tying single in the ninth against Seattle closer Edwin Diaz.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Sun (Tampa Bay), ROOT Northwest (Seattle)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Chris Archer (3-3, 4.29 ERA) vs. Mariners LH Marco Gonzales (5-3, 3.60)
Archer has allowed just one run and 10 hits in 18 2/3 innings over his last three starts but has recorded just one victory during the stretch. The 29-year had a stellar 2.33 ERA in six turns in May but was just 1-2 during the month. Archer is 1-2 with a 2.80 ERA in six career starts against Seattle and has dominated Kyle Seager (0-for-15) while struggling with Nelson Cruz (6-for-17, one homer).
Gonzales hasn't allowed an earned run over his last three starts, a stretch of 19 1/3 innings. The 26-year-old has given up just 11 hits during the stretch, including four in 6 2/3 frames while beating Texas in his last turn. Gonzales, who never has faced the Rays, has struck out 53 in 60 innings this season.
WALK-OFFS
1. Mariners C Mike Zunino (quadriceps) didn't start the opener but later entered the 13-inning contest and went 1-for-2.
2. Tampa Bay RF Carlos Gomez (groin) was in Friday's lineup after a one-game absence and went 1-for-5 with a homer.
3. Seattle designated Marc Rzepczynski for assignment and recalled fellow LHP Roenis Elias from Triple-A Tacoma.