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Mariners-Rangers Preview

Jun 7, 2010 - 4:52 AM By MIKE LIPKA STATS Writer

Seattle (22-33) at Texas (30-25), 8:05 p.m. EDT

Cliff Lee has lived up to expectations in his first season with the Seattle Mariners, which began with seven brilliant innings against the visiting Texas Rangers.

In Arlington, however, success has been much harder for the left-hander to find.

Lee tries to shake off a history of bad outings in Texas and help the Mariners snap a three-game losing streak as Seattle begins a 10-game road trip Monday night.

While the Mariners (22-34) remain at the bottom of the AL West after their latest skid, their disappointing season can't be blamed on Lee, who has been sharp since recovering from a abdominal strain.

Lee (3-2, 2.91 ERA) faced the Rangers in his Seattle debut on April 30, allowing three hits and striking out eight without a walk in seven innings, although the Mariners lost 2-0 in 12 innings.

The southpaw was nearly as impressive Wednesday against Minnesota, holding the Twins to one run and five hits in eight innings of the Mariners' 2-1, 10-inning victory. Michael Cuddyer's solo shot was the only homer Lee has allowed in 52 2-3 innings.

Lee would love for a similar effort Monday, especially considering the venue. His 9.19 ERA at Rangers Ballpark is by far his worst in any stadium where he's made more than one start, and he has allowed at least six runs in each of his last three visits.

While pitching for Cleveland, Lee allowed seven runs and 10 hits in five innings of a 9-1 loss April 6, 2009. Ian Kinsler had two hits to improve to 8 for 16 in his career against Lee.

Kinsler is one of the few Texas batters who isn't currently hitting well, going 2 for 18 without an RBI in his last five games.

Despite a 9-5 loss to Tampa Bay on Sunday, the first-place Rangers (30-26) have won four of six, averaging nearly seven runs in that stretch. Catcher Matt Treanor homered twice in Sunday's loss.

Josh Hamilton, who is 11 for 24 with two homers and six RBIs in six June games, did not start after receiving a cortisone shot in his sore right knee, but he hopes to return to the lineup Monday.

"No level of concern. He's been playing with that knee for quite a while," manager Ron Washington told the Rangers' official website. "It's time we take care of it. That's all. He's playing (Monday)."

Hamilton will be trying to support the struggling Scott Feldman, who has allowed at least four runs in six consecutive starts. He's 2-3 with a 6.69 ERA in that stretch.

Feldman (3-5, 5.82) still beat the White Sox and earned praise from his catcher on Wednesday after allowing five runs in eight innings of a 9-5 win.

"That's probably the best you'll see a guy pitch for giving up five runs," Treanor said. "He was locating the ball and letting his natural movement do his thing."

The right-hander is 3-1 with a 2.67 ERA in 16 appearances - seven starts - against Seattle.

Texas is looking for a fifth straight win over the Mariners, who are 1-5 against the Rangers and 6-18 against AL West opponents after being swept by the Los Angeles Angels this weekend.

"It's just one of those tough series, man," infielder Chone Figgins told the Mariners' official website after Sunday's 9-4 loss. "You'd like to squeeze out a couple of games, but they put it to us this series."

Things may not get any easier on the road, where Seattle has dropped six of seven to fall to 7-17.