[Sportscapper]

L.A. Angels (69-62) at Seattle (61-69)

The Angels will try to beat the Mariners for the eighth straight time when they send Kelvim Escobar (9-11, 3.87 ERA) to the mound opposite Seattle’s Felix Hernandez (10-12, 4.81).

Los Angeles swept the Mariners in a four-game series in Southern California last week, and they’ve won seven consecutive meetings since losing seven for the first nine series clashes this season. Meanwhile, Seattle takes the field tonight looking to snap a remarkable 20-game losing skid against A.L. West opponents.

Both teams are coming off successful weekends, as the Angels won two of three from the Yankees at home, while the Mariners swept a three-game home series against Boston. L.A. hits the road after a 7-3 homestand, while Seattle has won four in a row and five out of six since enduring a 10-game losing skid. Additionally, Mike Hargrove’s team is 8-1 in its last nine contests at Safeco Field.

Hernandez got rocked in his last start, allowing seven earned runs in 3 2/3 innings in Wednesday’s 9-2 home loss to the Yankees, which dropped the sophomore righthander to 0-3 with a 9.39 ERA in his last three starts. Prior to this rough stretch, Hernandez had given up exactly one run in three straight outings covering 19 innings.

Hernandez is 5-5 with a 4.30 ERA at home. He’s also 1-2 with a 3.74 ERA in three starts against the Angels this season, with his worst performance coming at Safeco Field in July, when he gave up five runs (four earned) in 6 2/3 innings, losing 7-1.

Escobar surrendered five earned runs in the first two innings of Wednesday’s game against Boston, then settled down and pitched six scoreless frames. However, it wasn’t enough, as the Angels fell 5-4. The righthander has alternated wins and losses in his last four trips to the mound, giving up 10 earned runs combined in the defeats and three runs total in the two victories.

Escobar is 5-5 with a 4.20 ERA in 12 road starts this season. He’s also 2-1 with a 3.43 ERA in three games against the Mariners, with all three contests taking place in Anaheim.

The Mariners are on an 8-3 under run, with the last four games staying low. Conversely, the Angels have topped the total in their last three contests. Also, the over is 9-6-1 in the teams’ 16 meetings this season, including 4-1-1 in Seattle.

ATS ADVANTAGE: L.A. ANGELS