Rangers face surging Mariners in early battle for AL West supremacy

Facing the Houston Astros already twice in the span of a week and a half might have been perceived on paper to be the Texas Rangers' first big test of the season. Texas, meanwhile, coming off a stretch of 17 games in 17 days before their first day off since April 4 on Monday, was able to maintain its hold on first place, but only just barely. Now, they welcome the team – the Seattle Mariners – immediately behind them in the standings to Arlington for an early showdown for pole position in the AL West.