Seattle Mariners Gameday Preview at the Yankees

Initial Thoughts:

Happy Felix Day in the Big Apple! After Roenis Elias pitched a 3-hit shutout against the Tigers yesterday afternoon, the Mariners flew to NYC for a one-game series to make up for the game they postponed in May.

King Felix will be on the mound, hot as ever, dueling to get the Mariners over .500 yet again this season.

After the M’s play in New York, they take a trip down to Atlanta to play the Braves in their second interleague series of the season.

Game Details:

Seattle Mariners 28-28. Last 10: (5-5).

New York Yankees 29-26. Last 10: (5-5).

Game Time: 4:05 Pacific Time. Location: New York, New York. Yankee Stadium.

MATCHUPS:

Pitching:

Seattle  Mariners RHP Felix Hernandez (7-1, 2.57 ERA) v. New York Yankees David Phelps (1-2, 3.38 ERA).

EDGE: Felix. The King has been very streaky this season, having now rattled off 3 straight wins after a 4-win stretch to start the season. Moreover, Felix is King in the Big Apple. At New Yankee Stadium, Felix sports a 4-1 record with a 1.18 ERA in 6 starts. Expect that to continue tonight against Phelps.

Projected Lineups:

Mariners:

James Jones 8

Stefen Romero DH

Michael Saunders 9

Justin Smoak 3

Kyle Seager 5

Dustin Ackley 7

Nick Franklin 4

Mike Zunino 2

Brad Miller 6

Of Note: Miller hit a home run in last night’s game, something he desperately needed after barely treading water the last few weeks. He continues to bat below the Mendoza line, and continues to strikeout at an alarming rate. But, if this home run is a glimpse of a bounce back, it could mean good things for the Mariners.

Yankees:

Jacoby Ellsbury 8

Derek Jeter 6

Brett Gardner 7

Brian McCann 2

Yangervis Solarte 5

Ichiro Suzuki 9

Brian Roberts 4

Kelly Johnson 2

Zoilo Almonte DH

Of Note: As of yesterday, Ichiro– yes, that Ichiro– was the only Yankee hitting over .300 on the season. And as of yesterday, Robison Cano, former Yankee, is the only Mariner hitting over .300 on the season. Coincidence? I think not.

Other Notes:

Cano has missed 4 straight games for the Mariners, the most games he has missed in a season for some time. In his 4 game absence, the Mariners are 2-2 against the Angels and the Tigers. In short: it could have been worse.

The M’s say Cano has a bone bruise in his hand, and they are still bringing him along slowly because it is such a long season. And despite the rest, Cano was listed on the pinch-hitter list in last night’s contest.

If I had to venture a guess, I would think Cano would try to get into the lineup tonight for another opportunity to topple his former team.

Final Thoughts:

So Felix is on right now. His fastball velocity is up. He command and location are spot on. And he LOVES New Yankee Stadium. There isn’t much else to say: the King reigns supreme tonight in the Big Apple.

Score Prediction:

Mariners 3, Yankees 1.