This is a 5* BIG-CHALK CHOKE-OUT on the Seattle Mariners.

Sometimes a favorite is a favorite for a reason and in this case, I absolutely think that Felix Hernandez and the under-achieving Mariners are worth the price of admission in this match-up. Seattle is coming off a 3-1 loss to Texas and is batting just .215 with 33 runs so far this year: "There will be better days. I think offensively we're a much better club than we were last year," Mariners' manager Lloyd McClendon said calmly last night. "Right now, guys are trying to find the groove." Sending "The King" to the mound is always good for confidence levels, Hernandez is 1-0 with 3.00 ERA this year and two of the team's wins this season have come with him as the starter. Hernandez has had mixed success against the Rangers throughout his career, one team which has always given him trouble, however he would post a great 2.11 ERA in three match-ups vs. them last season. The visitors counter with Colby Lewis (1-0, 3.38 ERA) who has started the year well, but who gave up four runs in a 6-4, 14 inning loss to the Astros on Sunday. Also note that Lewis struggled mightily vs. the M's last season, going 1-2 with a 5.68 ERA in four match-ups. I'll never call anything a "sure thing," in sports betting, but in my opinion this is the next closest thing from a situational stand point; a superior and motivated starter who has the clear advantage of throwing in front of the home town crowd, as well as a favorable match-up for the Seattle line-up. Lay the price with confidence on the MARINERS.

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