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Mariners Game Notes: M’s Turn Back the Clock on Saturday Night

ByBrian Helberg|

The Seattle Mariners (16-19) will host the Boston Red Sox (17-19) on Saturday night at Safeco Field. Both teams will pay tribute to the Negro Leagues tonight, with the M’s donning the Seattle Steelheads’ uniforms and the BoSox honoring the Boston Royal Giants.

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First pitch is scheduled for 6:10 pm from the corner of Edgar & Dave. Felix Hernandez (6-0, 1.85 ERA) will hope to keep his spotless record in tact as he toes the rubber for the M’s. Veteran right-hander, Rick Porcello (3-2, 4.50 ERA) will be on the bump for Boston on Saturday evening. Root Sports Northwest will carry the game live locally, and MLB.tv subscribers can watch on connected devices.

The Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Angels both won last night, but the M’s were able to keep pace in the American League West by topping the BoSox. Seattle remains in 3rd place, 6.5 games back of the AL West leading Astros.

Mariners’ manager Lloyd McClendon and Red Sox boss John Farrell have released the following lineups for tonight’s game:

Chris Taylor is back in the Steelheads’ starting lineup after getting last night off. Brad Miller will shift to the designated hitter role with Taylor getting the nod at shortstop. Dustin Ackley was absent from the starting 9 a night ago, but he will man center field and hit 7th for the Steelheads. Jesus Sucre will fill in for Mike Zunino behind the plate and hit 9th for Seattle.

Austin Jackson Playing for Tacoma Tonight

Austin Jackson’s rehab assignment has officially begun. The Mariners’ regular center fielder has been out since early May recovering from a sprained ankle. AJ did some work yesterday at Safeco Field, and the doctors deemed him healthy enough to serve as the Tacoma Rainiers’ designated hitter tonight.

If all goes according to plan, Jackson could be hitting leadoff for Seattle as early as next weekend. However, do not be surprised if the M’s take their time with AJ. Dustin Ackley has looked great in center field, and Seth Smith is doing a nice job at the top of the Mairners’ lineup. Regardless, the return of a healthy Austin Jackson will make the Mariners a much better club.

Apr 13, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Seattle Mariners first shortstop Brad Miller before the interleague game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Pick to Click

Runs have been hard to come by for the Mariners over the past 3 games, and with Rick Porcello on the mound tonight for Boston, that trend is likely to continue. However, one of the few Mariners who is producing right now is Brad Miller. The quirky 25-year-old has excelled hitting 2nd for Seattle, posting a .429 batting average with 3 doubles, a home run and 2 RBI’s over his current 4-game hitting streak. He legged out an important infield single in the 9th inning last night to set up Nelson Cruz‘s walk-off. I predict Crazy Legs will come through with a pair of extra base hits, one of which will be a 3 bagger.

Final Score Prediction

The past 2 games have been extremely low scoring, and with both clubs’ ace on the hill tonight, I expect another close ballgame. Felix Hernandez has had the best start to a season in his career, and he seems to be getting better every time he toes the rubber. It will be fun to see Hernandez pitching in front of King’s Court whilst paying tribute to the Seattle Steelheads. I think the Steelheads’ bats will provide just enough run support to squeak out their 2nd consecutive victory. The Seattle Steelheads will edge out the Boston Royal Giants by a final score of 3-2 on Saturday night.

Check back after the game tonight for a full recap of the Steelheads’ win. (Fingers crossed!)

Next: Mariners Game Recap: Whoa Nelly, M's Win

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