Today, the Mariners enjoy a bit of a breather between powerhouse opponents. After last night’s staggering 21-run game, I’d say they’ve earned it.

Current record: 29-22

Last game: vs. Rays. Sporting a 3-1 lead in the 4th, starting left-hander Jose Quintana was ejected immediately after throwing behind Ben Zobrist. Manager Robin Ventura followed him shortly after arguing the ejection with the home plate umpire.

With yesterday’s modest 4-3 win, the White Sox not only swept Tampa Bay, but cemented first place in the AL Central with 8 consecutive wins.

It’s worth noting that the only other MLB team currently riding an 8-game win streak is the Angels.

Last series against Seattle: April 20 – 22, 2012. Any sweep is difficult to watch, but this one was especially disheartening. Philip Humber tossed MLB’s 21st perfect game on April 21, Brendan Ryan lost an argument over his final checked swing, and the Mariners sunk to 6-3 in their first homestand of the season.

Pitching matchups: Friday — Felix Hernandez vs. RHP Jake Peavy. Peavy has a 3.26 SIERA, 2.93 FIP, and 5.33 K/BB through 10 starts and 70.1 innings. In his last start, he went 6.1 innings for 6 hits, 7 earned runs, a walk, 9 strikeouts, and his sixth season win.

Saturday — Hector Noesi vs. RHP Gavin Floyd. Floyd is 4-5 on the season with a 3.63 SIERA, 4.17 FIP, and 3.18 K/BB in 10 starts and 61 innings. He has not lasted more than 5 innings since May 16, and notched his fourth win in with 10 hits, 5 earned runs, and 4 strikeouts in 5.0 IP.

Sunday — Kevin Millwood vs. LHP Chris Sale. Sale made his last start on Monday, going 7.1 innings for 3 hits, an earned run, 2 walks, and a stunning 15 strikeouts—the most since his 11-strikeout performance in Seattle last April. He currently holds the lowest SIERA (2.90) and FIP (2.45) in Chicago’s rotation, as well as the highest strikeout to walk ratio (3.81).

Expected result: The White Sox have taken 9 of their last 10 games. The Mariners have taken 4 of their last 10 games. The White Sox are batting .286/.356/.436 with runners in scoring position. The Mariners are batting .224/.297/.329 with runners in scoring position.

Then again, do we really not have faith in a team who beat the Texas Rangers 21-8?

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For all things White Sox, stop by South Side Hit Girl.

Attention, Mariners fans: we are just four games away from Smoakamotive Train Night at Safeco Field. Even better than collectible trains modeled after Justin Smoak, the Mariners are returning to Seattle for a six-game homestand against the Twins and Tigers.

Until then, we’re stuck with a four-game series against the current AL East leaders: the Tampa Bay Rays. Of course, take that information with a grain of salt; the Baltimore Orioles are tied for first place as well.

Current record: 14-8

Last game: vs. Rangers. You think playing the Rangers is intimidating? Try playing a team who beat the Rangers. In Arlington, no less. Yeah.

After sweeping the Angels (Pujols Home Run Watch 2012: 0), Tampa Bay handed the Rangers their first series loss. Call it a combination of solid bullpen backup and timely hitting from Ben Zobrist, B.J. Upton, and Jeff Keppinger. Call it a meltdown on the Rangers’ part, letting 32 hits and 15 runs slip through the fingers of Derek Holland and Matt Harrison. Any way you slice it, the Rays are making a strong start to the season.

Last series against Seattle: August 19 – 21, 2011. Ready for more bad news? Here it is: the Rays swept the Mariners at Tropicana Field. The Rays beat the Mariners 6 of 10 times in 2011. The last winning road game the Mariners recorded against the Rays was on September 26, 2010, pitched by Luke French and won on Josh Wilson’s 3-run homer. On August 19, 2011, Felix Hernandez pitched a complete-game loss against Tampa Bay, opening the series with 9 strikeouts, 7 hits, and 3 earned runs in 8.0 IP.

Toughest player: Desmond Jennings has an 11-game hit streak, Jeff Keppinger went 6-for-9 in the past week, and Evan Longoria killed a 3-run homer to start the last series. I’ll let you take your pick.

Weakest link: Corner infielder Brandon Allen is 1-for-6 with the Rays this season after a single start in left field. Granted, his one run was a walk-off home run against the Angels, but I take slight comfort in knowing he made three appearances against Seattle this year (as an Athletic), going 0-for-7 with 5 strikeouts.

Expected result: After going 0-for-5 in series predictions, I’m going to forgo the faked foresight this time around. The Rays have an excellent track record against Seattle, but as long as Alex Liddi stays hot, Miguel Olivo and Chone Figgins keep surprising us with home runs, and the ‘pen remembers to back up King Felix, we should be okay. Fingers crossed, everyone.

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For up-to-date news on the Rays, check out Cowbell Clankers.