Seattle Mariners Gameday Preview Versus the Athletics

After a disappointing 4-game series against the Minnesota Twins, the Mariners have responded with two consecutive wins against the AL West and AL leading Oakland Athletics. Ace Felix Hernandez was dealing for 8 innings, and last night Hisashi Iwakuma was one out away from his first complete game in the Major Leagues.

Game Details:

Seattle Mariners 51-43. Last 10: 5-5.

Oakland Athletics: 58-36. Last 10: 7-3.

Game Time: 1:10 PM Pacific. Location: Seattle, Washington. Safeco Field.

MATCHUPS:

Pitching:

Seattle Mariners RHP Chris Young (8-5, 3.08 ERA) v. Oakland Athletics RHP Sonny Gray (9-3, 2.97 ERA)

EDGE: Gray. Sonny Gray has been Oakland’s Ace for much of the season, though the recent addition of Jeff Samardzija slots him more as their number 2. His numbers this season are ace-worthy. He has a sub-3.00 ERA, and can be devastating when his command is on. Young has been far and above the biggest surprise for the Mariners this season, but he’s not nearly as nasty or punishing as Gray.

Lineups:

Mariners:

Endy Chavez 9

James Jones 8

Robinson Cano 4

Kyle Seager 5

Logan Morrison DH

Justin Smoak 3

Dustin Ackley 7

Brad Miller 6

Mike Zunino 2

Of Note: Both Cano and Seager cranked home runs in last night’s 6-2 win against the A’s. Cano is currently 14-for-25 on the homestand, his batting average climbing to .334 on the season.

Athletics:

John Jaso 2

Stephen Vogt 3

Yoenis Cespedes DH

Brandon Moss 9

Josh Donaldson 5

Jed Lowrie 6

Nick Punto 4

Andy Parrino 7

Craig Gentry 8

Of Note: If it weren’t for Moss’s two-run home run with 2-outs in the top of the ninth last night, ‘Kuma would have completely silenced the A’s offense. They have scored only 4 runs: 2 in the first inning of the first game, and 2 in the last inning of the second.

Final Thoughts:

The Mariners bats have been hot in these last two against Oakland, following a weeklong stretch of not cashing in. Gray will provide their toughest test this series, and he may prove too much to handle. Young will play tough and keep the Mariners in the game, but the sweep may not be possible.

Score Prediction:

Mariners 2, Athletics 3.