In this contest, my money is on the Seattle Mariners. I really wouldn't want to be the Devil Rays tonight. Tampa comes into this game on a three-game winning streak and that is quite impressive, but what is even more impressive is the fact that their third straight win came last night against this Mariner squad, and it wasn't just surprising that they beat them, but they actually shut them out as well. With that being said, I look for the embarrassed Mariner squad to hammer Ryan Rupe.
Rupe has once again struggled thus far in 2002. The right-hander is just 3-5 on the year and his ERA is a disgusting 5.85. That, however, is nothing compared to how horrific he has looked on the road. Rupe has logged 14 1/3 innings in three road starts and has allowed a whopping 23 hits and 16 runs, all for an ERA of 10.05. In his last two road starts, he has lasted just eight innings, allowing 12 runs and 15 hits along the way. He faced the Mariners three times last season and was 0-2 (while the Devil Rays lost all three) and allowed 15 runs and 20 hits in just 14 1/3 innings of work. He was outscored 23-10 in the process. Look for a complete blowout tonight.
The Mariners will counter with Joel Pineiro and the youngster is having another terrific start to the season. Pineiro is a perfect 3-0 this season and has allowed just seven runs in 21 innings, all for a 3.00 ERA. He has been just as dominant at home where he has a 3.00 ERA as well. I look for him to shut down this Devil Ray squad right from the get-go.
It's no secret that the Mariners just don't seem to play well at home. That being said, it is unfathomable to see them being shut out the night before against a pathetic Devil Ray squad. I see the Mariner offense going crazy against the ineffective Rupe and I see Pineiro doing what he does best.