Seattle Mariners Gameday Preview at the White Sox
Happy Felix Day to all!
After a tough 7-1 loss to the White Sox on the 4th of July, King Felix looks to take the mound and right the surging ship once again. He also aims to further bolster his incredible numbers, solidifying his spot as the All-Star Game starter.
Game Details:
Seattle Mariners: 47-39. Last 10: 7-3.
Chicago White Sox: 41-46. Last 10: 6-4.
Game Time: 11:10 AM Pacific. Chicago, Illinois. U.S. Cellular Field.
MATCHUPS:
Pitching:
Seattle Mariners RHP Felix Hernandez (10-2, 2.10 ERA) v. Chicago White Sox RHP Jose Quintana (5-7, 3.44 ERA)
EDGE: Felix. It is without a doubt that Felix is playing his best baseball this season. His lower half is stronger, his fastball has more velocity, and all of his peripheral numbers are career-high and top-3 in the league. He earned AL Pitcher of the Month for June because, ho hum, he sported a 1.20 ERA for all 6 starts. Quintana hasn’t been bad this season, but Felix has been scary good.
Lineups:
Mariners:
James Jones 8
Willie Bloomquist 7
Robinson Cano 4
Corey Hart DH
Kyle Seager 5
Mike Zunino 2
Logan Morrison 3
Michael Saunders 9
Brad Miller 6
Of Note: four Mariners lefties: Cano, Seager, Morrison, and Saunders, managed a hit off of White Sox starter Chris Sale in last night’s game. Lefties had been hitting .089 against Sale so far this season. Unfortunately those runs couldn’t be cashed in, with Sale hitting his spots and totaling 12 strikeouts while walking nobody.
White Sox:
Adam Eaton 8
Gordon Beckham 4
Jose Abreu 3
Adam Dunn DH
Alexei Ramirez 6
Conor Gillaspie 5
Dayan Viciedo 9
Alejandro De Aza 7
Tyler Flowers 2
Of Note: Cubans Viciedo and Abreu did the damage against fellow countryman Roenis Elias in last night’s contest. They combined to go 5-8 with 3 RBI and 3 runs scored. The three long balls in last night’s game did Elias in, especially with those men on base. Look for tonight to be another audition for Viciedo and short stop Ramirez, as there have been rumors swirling regarding their potential trades to Seattle.
Final Thoughts:
It’s hard to go against the ace of a pitching staff, especially when that ace is playing the best baseball in their 9-year career. Felix has been stifling hitters all season, and has been getting some unexpected run support behind him. If the White Sox have a chance to win in this contest, they will need to get to Felix early, before the first inning is through.
Score Prediction:
Mariners 4, White Sox 2.