Seattle Mariners Series Preview Versus Los Angeles Angels

The Seattle Mariners continue their longest homestand of the season with a four game set against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, off the 57.

After splitting the first series against Houston, the Mariners sit 5.5 games back of Oakland and 4 games back of the Angels. A four-game sweep would bring the Mariners into a tie for 2nd place with LA. Here’s your series preview.

Matchups

Game one: Tyler Skaggs (4-1, 4.14 ERA) v. Chris Young (3-2, 3.53 ERA)

Chris Young looks to bounce back after a rough outing his last time out. Actually, that’s not entirely true. He had one rough inning and made one bad pitch in another inning. Young continues to show that he belongs on this pitching staff – probably as a long reliever – when James Paxton and Taijuan Walker return.

Tyler Skaggs has been effective but is hittable. This is Skaggs’ first start against the Mariners.

Game two: Jered Weaver (5-3, 2.85 ERA) v. Roenis Elias (3-3, 3.68 ERA)

The Mariners were able to hit Weaver the last time we saw him. Hopefully, the Mariners offense will have a repeat performance to back their rookie, who has struggled with command of late.

Game three: C.J. Wilson (6-3, 3.00 ERA) v. Felix Hernandez (6-1, 2.75 ERA)

Wilson has been a solid No. 1 type pitcher for many years. The Mariners took him behind the wood shed the last time they faced off. I don’t anticipate a repeat performance here. This could and should be the low-scoring one-run game of the series. Felix looks to continue his ways with another King’s Court appearance, his 6th home start of the season.

Game four: TBA (0-0, -.– ERA) v. Brandon Maurer (1-3, 6.99 ERA)

Yes ladies and gentlemen, this is more than likely the last time we will see Brandon Maurer in a Mariners uniform this, or possibly any season ever again. I would like for him to go out with a bang. Mike and I talked on the podcast Sunday about how many sub-par pitchers end up throwing no-hitters. Wouldn’t that be nice? HA! Yeah, just kidding. No way that happens.

Mariners Notes

• Today is Memorial Day and the Mariners will be wearing their camo-themed, military inspired uniforms for today’s game against the Angels. It’s also Family Day at Safeco Field, where select View Level seats are just $12.
• Wednesday is another Grand Slam Family Package Night at Safeco. A ticket, hot dog and Pepsi for $15 (View Level), $30 (Main Level), $35 (Terrace Club).
• Robinson Cano has his 31-game streak of being on base snapped Sunday. James Jones also had his 14-game hitting streak snapped. Time to start new ones guys.
• The Mariners are only 10-12 at home so far in 2014 (though that did include the skid). The Mariners need to take full advantage of this home stretch where they still get one more start out of both Iwakuma and Felix.
• Taijuan Walker will have his first rehab start in Triple-A Tacoma on Wednesday. The last time he was scheduled for a rehab start, he was scratched prior to the game with continued problems with that shoulder. Stay tuned.

Around the AL West

• Oakland is at home to welcome the AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers. It would be nice if the Tigers went in and knocked the Athletics around, then got so tired they had nothing left when they head to Seattle at the end of the week……just saying.
• The Astros are on the road in Kansas City. Since the Astros don’t seem to have any success against anyone but the Mariners, the Royals should be in for a treat.
• The Rangers head to Minnesota, who isn’t the same team we saw last season. The Rangers just took 3 of 4 from the Tigers while the Twins are coming off a three-game sweep at the hands of the San Francisco Giants.
• If it isn’t obvious by now, the Angels are in Seattle.