Seattle Mariners Gameday Preview At the Astros

The Mariners are 45-38 and on the rise. They’ve experienced a power surge over the last 7 games, staking rookie Taijuan Walker to 10 runs and 4 homers in his 2014 debut.

If this offense starts to heat up with the summer months, they could very well make a run at Oakland and Los Angeles at the top of the AL West.

Game Details:

Seattle Mariners: 45-38. Last 10: 8-2.

Houston Astros: 36-48. Last 10: 4-6.

Game Time: 5:10 PM Pacific. Location: Houston, Texas. Minute Maid Park.

MATCHUPS:

Pitching:

Seattle Mariners RHP Hisashi Iwakuma (5-4, 3.48 ERA) v. Houston Astros RHP Jarred Cosart (8-5, 3.60 ERA)

EDGE: Push. Iwakuma had his worst outing of the season last time out, going only 4 innings. Cosart has been one of the most consistent starting pitchers for the Astros this season, already with 8 wins on the year. If the Mariners offense stays hot this could be a blowout, but don’t be surprised if Cosart holds them down and keeps it competitive.

Projected Lineups:

Mariners:

Endy Chavez DH

James Jones 8

Robinson Cano 4

Kyle Seager 5

Mike Zunino 2

Logan Morrison 3

Michael Saunders 9

Dustin Ackley 7

Brad Miller 6

Of Note: Cano has hit home runs in back-to-back games, driving his total up to 6 and his RBI total to 48. His average and consistency in the middle of the order has been great for the Mariners, but if he can start to redevelop that power twitch in his swing, this offense could really start blowing people out.

Astros:

Jose Altuve 4

Alex Presley 8

George Springer 9

Jon Singleton 3

Matt Dominguez 5

Jason Castro 2

Jesus Guzman DH

Marwin Gonzalez 6

L.J. Hoes 7

Of Note: Altuve has been surging, his batting average climbing all the way to .344 thus far in the season. He has been chasing Cano on the All-Star ballot at second base all season, though it appears Cano will be getting the starting job at Target Field on July 15th.

Final Thoughts:

The Mariners are hot hot hot right now, there is no other way to put it. They still don’t hit for a high average, but they pitch and play great defense and score when they need the runs. The Mariners are even ranked 10th in the ESPN MLB Power Rankings. And they will continue to rise, provided they beat up on the Astros and White Sox this week, two clubs they are supposed to beat.

Score Prediction:

Mariners 5, Astros 3.