Seattle Mariners Gameday Preview Versus the White Sox

As Lou Piniella is inducted into the Mariners Hall of Fame tonight, the team out on the field looks to extend their winning streak to 5 games. Over the course of their 4-game win streak they have outscored their opponents 27 to 9, further improving on the best ERA in baseball while the bats wake up.

Can the offense magic continue to back up the stellar pitching as the grind towards the postseason continues?

Game Details:

Seattle Mariners: 61-54. Last 10: 7-3.

Chicago White Sox: 55-62. Last 10: 3-7.

Game time: 6:10 PM Pacific. Location: Seattle, Washington. Safeco Field.

MATCHUPS:

Pitching:

Seattle Mariners LHP James Paxton (2-0, 2.76 ERA) v. Chicago White Sox RHP Hector Noesi (6-7, 4.43 ERA)

EDGE: Paxton. Even if I weren’t totally biased against Hector Noesi I would pick Paxton. He still hasn’t lost a Major League game– albeit he has only started 7 of them dating back to last season. Be he maintains a good fastball and poise on the mound, something that counters the frustration that is Noesi on the mound. Noesi has pitched better for the White Sox (of course), but he’s still susceptible to getting knocked around.

Lineups:

Mariners:

Austin Jackson 8

Dustin Ackley 7

Robinson Cano 4

Kendrys Morales DH

Kyle Seager 5

Mike Zunino 2

Logan Morrison 3

Chris Taylor 6

Endy Chavez 9

Of Note: Zunino cranked his 18th home run of the season last night, a three-run jack that ended up being all the Mariners needed for the win. Hisashi Iwakuma was dealing, and the offense did just enough to win.

White Sox:

Leury Garcia 5

Alejandro De Aza 8

Jose Abreu DH

Dayan Viciedo 7

Alexei Ramirez 6

Paul Konerko 3

Tyler Flowers 2

Moises Sierra 9

Gordon Beckham 4

Of Note: the White Sox offense was stifled by Iwakuma last night, managing a single run off a Viciedo solo home run in 4th. Otherwise, they did little to contend with the Mariners at Safeco Field. Something additional to note: Adam Eaton, the White Sox centerfielder, was placed on the DL today.

If Paxton can get to 5 innings tonight the Mariners will be happy. He is still working his way back, and the desire is to have him healthy and surging throughout September and October. That being said, even if he only goes 5 innings, the best bullpen in baseball will likely come in and close the door. Expect the Mariners to make it 5 straight tonight.

Score Prediction:

Mariners 4, White Sox 3.