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Mariners Game Preview: M’s Turn to Prince Tai vs. World Series Champs

By Brian Helberg

Sep 14, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Taijuan Walker (32) throws against the Los Angeles Angels during the second inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 14, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Taijuan Walker (32) throws against the Los Angeles Angels during the second inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Seattle Mariners will get their first look at the 2015 World Series Champions this afternoon.

The Seattle Mariners (3-4) are back home in Peoria, AZ on Wednesday afternoon playing host the Kansas City Royals (3-5). First pitch is scheduled for 12:10 pm PT from the Peoria Sports Complex. Taijuan Walker (0-1, 4.50 ERA) will be on the bump for the M’s, and Matt Strahm (0-0, 0.00 ERA) will toe the rubber for the defending World Series champs.

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Today will be Prince Tai’s second start of the spring for Seattle. The 23-year-old right-hander pitched well against the Milwaukee Brewers last week, but was credited with the loss. Walker allowed one run on two hits across two innings of work. He fanned one and issued one free pass against the Brew Crew. Walker went 11-8 and posted a 4.56 ERA across 29 outings with the M’s last season. The Fresh Prince of Seattle is fun to watch on the mound, but keeping his emotions in check will be key for his success in 2016.

Matt Strahm is a 24-year-old southpaw, who has yet to appear in a game above the High-A level during his career. Originally selected by the Royals in the 21st round of the 2012 draft, Strahm split the 2015 season between the Lexington Legends and the Wilmington Blue Rocks. He went a combined 3-7 with a 2.59 ERA through 29 appearances, 18 of which came as a reliever.

Mariners’ skipper Scott Servais and Royals boss Ned Yost have released the following lineups to today’s game:

Fans will get an opportunity to see the heart of the M’s order play today in Peoria. Kyle Seager, Robinson Cano and Nelson Cruz are all in the starting nine for the Mariners. One would think those three veteran hitters will have a field day against such an inexperienced pitcher. Cruz is hitless in his first five at bats this spring, and I’m especially interested to see how he fares today.

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The competition to platoon with Adam Lind at first base is heating up, and we will see two of the early favorites this afternoon. Jesus Montero is playing first base for Seattle and Gaby Sanchez will serve as the M’s designated hitter. Montero is off to a slow start this spring, collecting just 3 hits in his first 12 at bats. Sanchez has been equally as unimpressive at the plate, going 2 for 8.

Thankfully, Mariners’ fans in the Pacific Northwest will be treated to live baseball on their televisions this afternoon. Root Sports will begin their spring training coverage, as they will carry the game live locally. MLB.tv subscribers can watch worldwide on connected devices.

Next: Stefen Romero & his Fast Start to Spring Training

Make sure you follow SoDo Mojo on twitter, as we will be live tweeting today’s game. Also, check back with SoDo Mojo after the game for a full recap.

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