Mariners Game Preview: M’s Face Rival Athletics in Mesa

The Mariners and A’s will renew their rivalry in Mesa, AZ on Thursday afternoon.

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The Seattle Mariners (8-8-1) are in Mesa, AZ on Thursday afternoon to take on the Oakland Athletics (6-6). First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 pm from Hohokam Stadium. James Paxton (1-1, 4.00 ERA) will be on the bump for the Mariners, and Kendall Graveman (0-1, 7.20 ERA) will toe the rubber for the A’s.

James Paxton is competing with Nate Karns this spring to fill the final spot in the M’s starting rotation. The 27-year-old southpaw is 1-1 with a 4.00 ERA through his first three outings of the spring. Paxton has been hitting his spots nicely, as he has issued just 1 free pass in 9 innings of work. He allowed 1 run on 3 hits through 4 innings his last time out, and hopefully the Ladner, BC product can build on that today.

Kendall Graveman was acquired by the A’s prior to the 2015 season, and the 25-year-old right-hander fared reasonably well in his debut campaign. Graveman went 6-9 with a 4.05 ERA across 20 outings last season. He has been less impressive this spring, as he enters play with a 7.20 ERA and 5 strikeouts through his first two outings. Graveman hurled 7 shutout innings in his only start against the M’s last year, and he will hope to replicate those results this afternoon.

Mariners skipper Scott Servais and A’s boss Bob Melvin have released the following lineups for today’s game:

Robinson Cano will make the trip to Mesa and start at second base for the Mariners. The perennial All-Star has done a nice job with the bat this spring, hitting .308 with 2 home runs and 4 RBI across 9 games. Cano was one of the leaders yesterday against the San Francisco Giants, as he connected on a double and a triple. The Mariners need a strong season from the 33-year-old in order to reach their goals in 2016, and his performance this spring has been encouraging.

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Stefen Romero, Dan Robertson and Luis Sardinas are the most intriguing names in the M’s starting nine this afternoon. Romero is competing for the backup job at first base, and the Oregon State alum is hitting .480 with 1 home run and 7 RBI this spring. Robertson is on fire right now, as he enters play slashing .500/.609/.889 through his first 18 Cactus League at bats. Sardinas is fighting for the utility infielder gig, and he is hitting .433 with 1 home run and a team high, 10 RBI in 13 games.

Unfortunately, Thursday’s game will not be televised. However, fans in the Pacific Northwest can listen to the radio broadcast on 710 ESPN, although it will be delayed. Rick Rizzs is one of the best broadcasters in all of baseball, and it’s always a treat to listen to him calling a game.

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Make sure you follow SoDo Mojo on twitter, as we will be providing live updates throughout today’s contest. Also, check back here after the final out has been recorded for a full recap. Go Mariners!