Mariners vs Rangers: An early chance to control the division is at play in Texas

The Mariners head to Texas with a shot at taking control of the division, as whoever wins the series will hold the AL West lead

Seattle Mariners v Colorado Rockies - Game Two
Seattle Mariners v Colorado Rockies - Game Two | Matthew Stockman/GettyImages
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Mariners vs Rangers: Hitters to watch

This is the worry with the Rangers. Their offense is prolific, and one that puts fear into opponents deeper into the lineup arguably than any other team in the American League. Adolis Garcia has been leading the way for the Rangers, already having slugged six homers, stolen four bases, all the while slashing .326/.368/.616.

You can easily find trouble against the Rangers by giving up free passes, as so many of their hitters have done a great job at earning them this season and setting the table for the rest of the lineup. Evan Carter has an 11.9% BB rate, Corey Seager at 10%, Jared Walsh at 11.7%, Josh Smith at 11.1%, and Ezequiel Duran at 11.1%. The Mariners have been fantastic at limiting walks, and that could be the key to success against the Rangers.

Watch out for Evan Carter. Even though he is hitting just .211, 8 of his 15 hits this season are XBH. We all know that Corey Seager and Marcus Semien are dangerous bats, but I really want to keep an eye on Jon... the backstop for the Rangers. I'm afraid to say his name ever since the back-to-back walk-off wins against the Mariners a few years ago. I still shudder thinking about that.

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