Seattle Mariners Gameday Preview Vs. Kansas City Royals

May 8, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon (4) is called out after being tagged by Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano (22) during a steal attempt at second base during the seventh inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Initial Thoughts:

The Mariners look to stay above .500 while the Royals look to get to .500. This Mariners team has scored only two runs in the past three games. Last night, Brandon Maurer accomplished a rare feat by allowing at least 14 hits with no extra-base hits, while walking none and striking out none. How rare is it?

Yeah, you read that right. It’s been almost 96 years since someone pulled that off. So glad it was one of our guys. The bats need to produce like they were in Houston and Oakland if the M’s hope to avoid losing back to back games for the first time since the 8-game losing streak.

Game Details:

Seattle Mariners 18-17. Last 10: (7-3).

Kansas City Royals 17-18. Last 10: (4-6).

Game time: 6:10 PM Pacific. Location: Seattle, Washington. Safeco Field.

MATCHUPS:

Pitching:

Seattle Mariners RHP Chris Young (2-0, 3.03 ERA) v. Kansas City Royals Yordano Ventura (2-1, 2.00 ERA).

EDGE: Young. Young has been solid in his last few starts. In his most recent outing, he went 6 IP and gave up three hits. Unfortunately one of them was a 2-run homer, but the M’s still got him the win.

Ventura has been hot and cold. Having pitched a combined 19 scoreless innings against Tampa Bay, Baltimore and Toronto. But then allowing nine runs in 18 combined innings to Minnesota, Houston and San Diego. Which Ventura will the Mariners see?

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: James Jones got the night off last night against the lefty but came in for Stefen Romero in the 8th and doubled. He should be in center today with Saunders in right. I wouldn’t be surprised though if Saunders was given a day off and we see Cole Gillespie in right with Jones leading off.

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 were 1-for-12 with RISP last night and left nine on base. That number would’ve been higher, and the run total as well, if the Mariners hadn’t turned three double plays.

Other Notes:

The NFL Draft finishes up today. But do you know what member of the Mariners staff was drafted by both an MLB club and NFL team? Find out tonight at 7 PM PDT here at Sodo Mojo.

Also, be sure to tune into Mariners Talk- Powered by SodoMojo tomorrow night at 7 PM PDT. Be sure to check in for more details later today.

Final Thoughts:

The M’s were running hot and can be again. If Ventura pitches like he did against San Diego in his last outing, the M’s could have another offensive explosion and get back in the win column. Or, the bats can stay cold and a fall back down to .500 is in the cards. I’m hopeful for a win. How about you? Put your score prediction in the comment section.

Score Prediction:

Mariners 6, Royals 3