Dominant Mariners Eye Series Clinch as Slumping Rangers Seek Offensive Spark
ARLINGTON, Texas — The Seattle Mariners are on a hot streak and will look to clinch their eighth consecutive series win when they face the struggling Texas Rangers on Saturday in the second game of a three-game American League West set.
Seattle will rely on right-hander Luis Castillo (3-2, 3.62 ERA), who is coming off one of his best outings of the season. Texas will counter with lefty Patrick Corbin (2-1, 3.79 ERA), hoping he can help stabilize a lineup currently in a deep scoring slump.
Mariners on the Rise, Rangers on the Slide
The Mariners continued their dominance Friday with a commanding 13-1 victory, highlighted by a grand slam and another home run from catcher Cal Raleigh, and a two-run shot from center fielder Julio Rodriguez. Seattle has now won five straight games and seven of their last eight, averaging 9.6 runs per game during their current streak.
Meanwhile, the Rangers’ offensive woes continue. They have lost six of their past seven games and scored only seven total runs during those defeats. A solo home run by Josh Smith with two outs in the ninth inning on Friday was the team’s only sign of life after a 23-inning scoreless drought.
Castillo’s Command Continues to Improve
Luis Castillo is finding his rhythm. In his latest start, he threw six scoreless innings and allowed just one hit in a 14-0 blowout over the Miami Marlins. He struck out five and walked two, showing excellent control with 60 strikes on 90 pitches.
Through five career starts against Texas, Castillo holds a 2-3 record and a 4.20 ERA. While those numbers are modest, he has struck out 32 batters in just under 27 innings, indicating that he’s capable of overpowering the Rangers’ lineup when on form.
Speaking through a translator, Castillo expressed confidence in his trajectory this season. “We’re getting there slowly,” he said. “The one-hit performance is a good sign—hopefully there are more games like this ahead.”
Corbin Holds Historical Edge Against Seattle
Patrick Corbin, despite taking a tough-luck loss in his last outing against Oakland, has shown consistency this season. He allowed two runs over 4 2/3 innings and has not lost to Seattle in his career. Over three starts against the Mariners, Corbin boasts a 1.89 ERA, with 19 strikeouts and only four walks in 19 innings.
While Corbin’s past performances against Seattle are encouraging for Texas, his effectiveness will mean little if the Rangers’ bats cannot provide run support. Don’t miss out on our Daily Baseball Picks from MLB Expert Handicappers
Muñoz Anchors Mariners’ Bullpen Excellence
Seattle closer Andrés Muñoz has been one of the most dominant relievers in baseball this season. On Friday, he was named American League Reliever of the Month for March and April. In 15 innings, he posted a 0.00 ERA with 11 saves, 19 strikeouts, and just six walks, while holding opposing hitters to a .106 batting average.
His presence at the back end of Seattle’s bullpen gives the team added confidence in close games and complements their thriving offense.
Rangers Struggle to Find Offensive Identity
The Rangers’ offense has been one of the least productive in the league, managing just 104 runs this season—second fewest in Major League Baseball, ahead of only the Colorado Rockies.
Texas manager Bruce Bochy acknowledged the challenge, noting that lineup changes and batting order adjustments have done little to spark results.
“We’ve tried things—moved guys around,” Bochy said. “It’s really up to them now to step up and have quality at-bats.”
Looking Ahead
The Mariners are poised to extend their win streak and lock up another series win. With a potent lineup and a reliable bullpen, they present a formidable challenge for any team. For the Rangers, the focus remains on reviving their offense, and Saturday’s matchup offers another opportunity—albeit against one of the hottest teams in baseball.
The key storyline heading into Saturday night is whether Corbin can keep the Mariners’ bats in check long enough for the Texas offense to rediscover its rhythm.