Seattle Mariners Gameday Preview Versus The Royals

May 4, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher

(37) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Initial Thoughts:

Hisashi Iwakuma‘s pitching performance last night: wow. There is something to be said about having two aces at the top of the rotation. And now with ‘Kuma back the Mariners are going to always seem to be in at least 2 out of every 5 games.

But today is a new day for the M’s, another chance to extend their hot streak, and get closer to first place in the division. The M’s face off against a familiar face, too.

Game Details:

Seattle Mariners 18-16. Last 10: (8-2).

Kansas City Royals 16-18. Last 10: (4-6).

Game time: 7:10 PM Pacific. Location: Seattle, Washington. Safeco Field.

MATCHUPS:

Pitching:

Seattle Mariners RHP Brandon Maurer (1-0, 6.92 ERA) v. Jason Vargas (2-1, 3.50 ERA).

EDGE: Vargas. Dr. Jason and Mr. Vargas had a great April, keeping his ERA around 2.40. However his last outing against the Detroit Tigers he was blasted for 7 earned runs. Regardless of that fact, the only reason Maurer isn’t 0-3 is because he has been staked with nice, comfortable leads. He continues to struggle, and will be the first one out of the M’s rotation when either Taijuan Walker or James Paxton gets back from injury.

Projected Lineups:

Mariners:

Michael Saunders 9

James Jones 8

Robinson Cano 4

Corey Hart DH

Justin Smoak 3

Kyle Seager 5

Dustin Ackley 7

Mike Zunino 2

Brad Miller 6

Of Note: Hart drove in the only run in last night’s game, a 1-0 victory over the Royals. Not much else to say about the offense in the game, except that the Mariners managed just 2 hits in the contest.

Royals:

Nori Aoki 8

Eric Hosmer 2

Billy Butler DH

Salvador Perez 2

Alex Gordon 7

Danny Valencia 4

Lorenzo Cain 8

Mike Moustakas 5

Alcides Escobar 6

Of Note: The Royals only managed 4 hits last night, and couldn’t push across any runs against Iwakuma and closer Fernando Rodney. With the track record of Maurer, expect a few more hits and runs from the Royals.

Other Notes:

Both Paxton and Walker are slated for bullpen sessions this weekend. With the team still buoyed despite the piecemeal rotation, the M’s will take there time bringing them back to be certain they are healthy and able to pitch into September (and October).

Final Thoughts:

The M’s are hot, and they are learning how to win every fashion of game. Maurer is going to give up some runs, but so too will Vargas against his old team. A bit of a shootout, but the M’s will continue riding this hot run.

Score Prediction:

Mariners 6, Royals 5