The set-up: The Seattle Mariners are well aware that they will have to contend all season long with the defending champion Astros in the AL West plus also know that either Boston or New York will likely claim one of the AL's two wild card spots. Reaching the playoffs in 2018 will be a real challenge for Seattle but the Mariners enter tonight's home game with the Texas Rangers looking for their 10th victory in their last 11 games, after posting a 2-1 victory in Monday's series opener. It was the team's fourth straight win, as Seattle moved a season-best 13 games over .500 at 33-20. The Mariners have allowed 20 runs over the 10-game run, holding the opposition to two or fewer in seven of the contests. The Rangers managed only five hits in Monday's loss, as the team fell to 22-34. Texas is last in the AL West, already 13 1/2 games back of 35-20 Houston.

The pitching matchup: Texas will send Austin Bibens-Dirkx (0-1, 5.68 ERA) to the mound on Tuesday night, opposed by Seattle's Felix Hernandez (5-4, 5.58 ERA). Bibens-Dirkx learned Sunday that he would receive his second start of 2018 but that he could also be sent to Triple-A Round Rock after the outing, with the Rangers set to activate left-hander Matt Moore to start Wednesday. He lost 8-2 to the Kansas City Royals on Thursday, giving up six runs (four earned) on eight hits over 6 1/3 innings after being recalled earlier that day. He will be making first career start against the Mariners but had two relief appearances against Seattle last season, both in September and both in Arlington. He has a 0-0 record and a 6.75 ERA against the Mariners. Hernandez has sure not looked like a 'King,' going 1-2 with a 6.75 ERA over his past four starts. He has been unable to find the dominating form he often exhibited earlier in his career. The now 32-year-old has served up 10 HRs and has a mediocre 1.39 WHIP while striking out 51 in 61 1/3 innings. Hernandez allowed two runs and four hits over 5 1/3 innings in a no-decision against the Rangers on April 20 and stands 19-24 with a 4.00 ERA in 55 career starts against Texas (hardly impressive).

The pick: King Felix is no longer 'pitching royalty' but his Seattle team has rallied around the absence of star second baseman Robinson Cano due to a suspension, going 11-3 since he last suited up May 13. However, even a less than dominating Hernandez, gives Seattle an edge against the Rangers' Bibens-Dirkx. He had his contract purchased from Round Rock (AAA) on Thursday and made his season debut that night at home against Kansas City, taking the loss for the Rangers (see above). In fact, Bibens-Dirkx's 109 pitches in that game were a season high for a Texas starter (not a confidence-builder). Make Seattle an 8* play.