SODO MOJO
FanSided

Mariners Game Notes: M’s Hope to Stay Hot vs. Arizona

By Brian Helberg

facebooktwitterreddit

The Seattle Mariners (46-53) will entertain the Arizona Diamondbacks (46-51) at Safeco Field in the opener of a 3-game interleague series on Monday night. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 pm from the corner of Edgar & Dave. It will be a matchup of young southpaws tonight, as Mike Montgomery (4-4, 3.25 ERA) will get the ball for Seattle in the opener, and Robbie Ray (3-5, 2.72 ERA) will toe the rubber for Arizona.

As always, Root Sports Northwest will broadcast the game locally, and MLB.tv subscribers can watch worldwide tonight on connected devices.

More from Mariners News

Seattle has now won 2 games in a row, and 4 of their last 6 overall. This brief hot streak has propelled the M’s back into contention in the American League West. Entering tonight’s game, the Mariners sit 9.5 games back of the division leading Los Angles Angels. Seattle is also just 6.5 game out in the wildcard hunt.

Mariners’ skipper Lloyd McClendon and D-Backs’ boss Chip Hale have released the following lineups for tonight’s series lid-lifter:

Pick to Click

Jul 25, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano (22) hits a three-run homer against the Toronto Blue Jays during the fourth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

The Mariners are hitting the ball hard as a group, and it is leading to plenty of runs lately. Over their last 6 ballgames, Seattle is averaging 5.83 runs per game. Considering the uninspiring offensive attack during the first 4 months of the season, the past week has been encouraging to say the least. One of the key reasons this team has turned it around at the plate is Robinson Cano. Through his first 73 games in 2015, Robby batted a measly .238. Since July 1st, Cano has posted a .337 batting average with 5 doubles, 1 triple, 6 home runs and 17 RBI’s. He is raking right now, and is currently riding a 7-game hitting streak. I expect him to carry the M’s to victory once again on Monday by tallying a couple hits and a pair of RBI’s. I would not be surprised to see him launch his 7th homer of the month as well.

Final Score Prediction

Seattle is hot right now, but unfortunately the same cannot be said about tonight’s starer, Mike Montgomery. The rookie lefty went 4-2 and registered a 1.62 ERA during his first 7 outings. However, he has not fared well recently, going 0-2 with a 9.22 ERA across his last 3 starts. Last time out, Monty was yanked after allowing 8 runs to cross the plate in just 2.2 innings. Hopefully, he can get back on track tonight against the Diamondbacks. I am not saying it will be easy, but I expect the M’s to record their first 3-game winning streak since late June tonight at Safeco Field. I predict the Mariners will take the series opener 5-4 on Monday night.

Next: Sodo Mojo Podcast, Episode 1

More from SoDo Mojo

Home/Mariners News