The Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners finish their four-game weekend series on Sunday afternoon. This season has been challenging for the Rangers, who are unable to defend their World Series title and are simply playing out the remainder of the 2024 season. On the other hand, the Mariners maintain slim chances of catching the Astros for the division title, which remains their only path to a playoff spot. The pitching duel for Sunday features Texas’ left-handed pitcher Andrew Heaney (5-13, 3.84 ERA) against Seattle’s right-handed ace George Kirby (11-11, 3.77 ERA). The scheduled first pitch is at 4:10 PM EST.
Heaney Takes the Mound for Texas
The Texas Rangers’ defense of their first World Series title has been less than stellar this season. Injuries have plagued their starting rotation and key players throughout the year. Recently, the team announced that World Series MVP Corey Seager would miss the remainder of the season, further impacting their lineup. The Rangers have managed to split the first two games of this series in Seattle, winning one game 5-4 before suffering a narrow loss in the next, again by a score of 5-4.
*This article was prepared prior to the conclusion of Saturday night’s game.
The Rangers will look to Andrew Heaney in the series finale. Heaney has a record of 5-13 across 28 starts this season, with seven of those being quality starts. He holds an ERA of 3.84 and a WHIP of 1.20, having struck out 149 batters while walking only 31. Over 145.1 innings, he has given up 135 hits. In his most recent outing, Heaney pitched six innings, allowing three hits and four runs while striking out eight.
Key Injuries: RP Jacob Latz, RP Josh Sborz, RP Cole Winn, and RP Carson Coleman are currently sidelined.
Mariners Look to Kirby for a Crucial Win
As the Seattle Mariners approach the final weeks of the season, they cling to their playoff aspirations, sitting five games behind the Astros in the loss column. Despite boasting one of the league’s strongest starting rotations, the Mariners have struggled offensively in the second half of the year. They have split the first two games of this series, edging out a win in one game and falling short in another.
*This article was prepared prior to the conclusion of Saturday night’s game.
With limited opportunities for error, the Mariners will rely on George Kirby in the finale. Kirby’s record stands at 11-11 this season, with 30 appearances and 17 quality starts. He carries an ERA of 3.77 and a WHIP of 1.12, having allowed 171 hits over 172 innings. Kirby has struck out 166 batters while issuing just 22 walks and has surrendered 22 home runs throughout the season. In his last outing, he pitched five innings, allowing seven hits and five runs in a 7-3 loss against San Diego.
Key Injuries: RP Gregory Santos, SP Luis Castillo, RP Yimi Garcia, and RP Jackson Kowar are currently sidelined.
Key Matchup Insights for Rangers vs. Mariners
The Mariners face a more pressing need for victory in this matchup. They have emerged victorious in three of Kirby’s last five starts leading into this game. Kirby will benefit from facing a weakened Rangers lineup, particularly without Seager anchoring the batting order. Conversely, Heaney has found it challenging, securing only five wins in 28 starts this season. With the Mariners clinging to their playoff hopes, this game is crucial for their aspirations, especially given their success against the Rangers, having won six of their first eight matchups this season.
