SODO MOJO
FanSided

Mariners Game Notes: M’s Go for Series Split Sunday Afternoon

By Brian Helberg

facebooktwitterreddit

The Seattle Mariners (24-25) will hope to split the 4-game series with the Cleveland Indians (23-26) Sunday afternoon at Safeco Field. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 pm from the corner of Edgar & Dave. J.A. Happ (3-1, 3.71 ERA) will toe the rubber for the M’s in the series finale, and Danny Salazar (5-1, 3.65 ERA) with get the ball for the Tribe. Root Sports Northwest will carry the game live locally, and MLB.tv subscribers can watch on connected devices.

More from Mariners News

The Mariners’ loss last night proved costly, as the Texas Rangers were able to pass the M’s in the American League West standings. Seattle currently sits in 4th place in the AL West, 6.5 games back of the division leading Houston Astros.

Mariners’ skipper Lloyd McClendon and Indians’ manager Terry Francona have released the following lineups for today’s series finale:

Chris Taylor Not in M’s Lineup Again

Brad Miller will make his 3rd consecutive start at shortstop today for the Mariners. Miller had been serving in a super utility role with Chris Taylor at short, but it appears the M’s may be coming to their senses. Miller is the far superior hitter, and his defense grades out as above average. Taylor is hitting just .161 in 62 at bats, and is due for a demotion. The Mariners are going to need to call up a starting pitcher prior to the game on Tuesday, and Taylor is looking like a strong bet right now to be playing for the Tacoma Rainiers next week.

Welington Castillo Draws Start Behind the Plate

McClendon has elected to spell Mike Zunino with Welington Castillo on Sunday afternoon. Castillo will hit 6th for Seattle and catch for J.A. Happ. Castillo is hitting .133 with 0 home runs and 2 RBI’s since joining the M’s on May 19. The 28-year-old is a quality backup catcher, and I think his offense will come around shortly.

May 17, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners third baseman Kyle Seager (15) jogs around the bases after hitting a two-run home run in the eighth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

Pick to Click

The Mariners combined to tally 11 hits on Saturday, but were unable to come through with runners in scoring position. Hopefully, that is something that changes shortly. Kyle Seager had a big game last night, but his 2 doubles were overdshadowed by a strikeout with the bases loaded in the 7th. Seags is my pick to click today for the M’s. The Mariners’ All Star third baseman is hitting .305 with 7 home runs and 17 RBI’s since May 3, and I expect another impact performance today from Seager. I predict Kyle Seager will have yet another multi-hit game on Sunday with a home run and a pair of RBI’s.

Final Score Prediction

Fans will be treated to a quality starting pitching matchup today at the Safe. Happ has been the most consistent pitcher on the M’s staff not named Felix Hernandez, and Salazar leads the league with 12.0 strikeouts per 9 innings. Salazar has great stuff, but after Robinson Cano went deep a night ago, the Mariners have their 3, 4 and 5 hitters rolling for the first time all season. I expect today’s ballgame to tight, but look for Seattle to split the series after winning 5-3 against the Tribe.

Next: Mariners Game Recap: Robby Cano Goes Yard, but M's Fall to Tribe

More from SoDo Mojo

Home/Mariners News