King Felix, Mariners try to crown Devil Rays

Sep 14, 2007, 15:11 GMT

- Felix Hernandez goes for his third straight win this evening when the Seattle Mariners play the second game of their four-game series with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Safeco Field.

Hernandez won for the sixth time in his last seven decisions on Sunday against the Detroit Tigers, as he allowed seven runs (six earned) and 10 hits in five innings to run his record to 12-7 to go along with a 4.17 earned run average.

The 21-year-old right-hander has faced the Devil Rays three times in his young career and is 1-1 against them with a 3.47 ERA.

Tampa will counter with right-hander James Shields, who is 12-8 with a 3.96 ERA. Shields won his second straight start and third consecutive decision on Sunday against Toronto, as he gave up a pair of runs and four hits in seven innings.

Shields is 0-1 lifetime against the Mariners, despite a sparkling 1.80 ERA in two starts against them.

Adrian Beltre's run-scoring single put Seattle in front as the Mariners scored five runs in the eighth inning to come from behind and post an 8-7 victory in the opener of this set on Thursday. Yuniesky Betancourt knocked in three runs and Ichiro Suzuki had three hits and two RBI for the Mariners, who have won two straight but only have four wins in their last 19 games.

Seattle starter Jeff Weaver lasted just 1 1/3 innings after getting roughed up for five runs on six hits with two walks and a strikeout. Ryan Rowland-Smith (1-0) picked up the victory in relief while J.J. Putz notched his 38th save.

Greg Norton hit a two-run homer and had three RBI for the Devil Rays, who have lost three straight.

Jason Hammel started for Tampa Bay and pitched six frames, allowing one run on five hits. The loss went to Dan Wheeler (0-4) after giving up three runs on five hits in an inning of work.

Seattle has won three of four from the Devil Rays this season and is 13-6 in the series since the start of the 2004 campaign. Tampa has also lost 11 of its last 13 in the Emerald City.

© 2007 The Sports Network