Mariners Game Preview: Mariners are Set to Begin Winning Streak

Apr 8, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Taijuan Walker (44) reacts after getting the final out of the sixth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Taijuan Walker (44) reacts after getting the final out of the sixth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Seattle Mariners are poised to begin a winning streak as they send Taijuan Walker to the mound to face the Texas Rangers.

The Seattle Mariners (2-6) will play host to the Texas Rangers (5-4) on Wednesday afternoon in Seattle. First pitch is set for 12:40 pm from the corner of Edgar Martinez Drive & Dave Niehaus Way. The Mariners have dropped the first five games of the homestand, and they hand the ball to Taijuan Walker (0-0, 3.00 ERA) as they are poised to start a winning streak. A.J. Griffin (1-0, 4.50 ERA) will be on the mound for the Rangers.

Yes, you read that right.  This author is going Joe Namath today and predicting a win.  This losing streak began against the thorn in the side of the Mariners named the Oakland Athletics.  The Athletics have an ace in the hole.  Some time ago, they hired Harvey A. Dorfman and have been winning using the mental game.  They use a powerful mental game that the Seahawks also employ.   One that the Mariners need to start using starting today.

You have certainly heard Pete Carroll and Russell Wilson talk about this philosophy repeatedly and it is one of the biggest reasons the Seahawks win.  You’ve heard the quotes.  “One game at a time, one play at a time.  Be in the moment.  Why not us?  Compete forever.”  There you have it.  The Mariners will win.  They will approach the game one pitch at a time, one game at a time.  As fans, we need to do the same.  Approach each game with the right frame of mind.  So remove all your negative thoughts and energy.  The Mariners will begin a winning streak today.  If Mariners fans can have even a tiny effect on the players, then we will have succeeded.  Now repeat after me, “the Mariners will win.  Go Mariners!”

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Taijuan Walker will make his second start of the season.  His first start was against the Oakland Athletics on Friday.  The Prince allowed two runs in six innings against the Athletics.  He pitched a great game spreading out seven hits including a home run, no walks, and four strikeouts.  He received a no-decision for that game.  The Prince is primed to start the winning streak for the Mariners.  The Mariners have yet to get a win for any of their starters this season.  Today is a good day to get that first one for a starter and the first home win of the season.

A.J. Griffin will also make his second start for the Rangers this afternoon.   His first start this season was against the Angels and he pitched six innings and allowed three runs on six hits, two walks and a strikeout.  The Rangers would win that contest 7-3.  That was his first start since Sept 24, 2013.

Mariners skipper Scott Servais and Rangers manager Jeff Banister have released the lineups for today’s ballgame:

Scott Servias is shaking things up a bit today.  Seth Smith is DH and moving to the second batter spot behind Nori Aoki.  Adam Lind will bat sixth behind Kyle Seager and play first base today.  Chris Iannetta will be behind the plate and bat seventh and Ketel Marte will be at short stop and bat ninth.  Leonys Martin is eighth in the order today.  The only right hander in the lineup besides Iannetta, as usual against right handed pitching, is Nelson Cruz in the cleanup spot.  This is the lineup the Mariners will send to face A.J. Griffin this afternoon.

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The Mariners will get in the win column today and begin their ascension back to .500.  The Mariners players held a closed door meeting after the loss last night.  They understand where they are at and where they want to go.  It’s a very long season.  They have only played 8 games in the 162 game season.  A day game is just what the doctor ordered.  Go Mariners!

Next: Mariners Analysis: Curb the Overreaction Until Mid-May

Today’s game will be broadcast by Root Sports Northwest and MLB.tv subscribers can watch worldwide on connected devices. Fans from the Pacific Northwest can listen to Rick Rizzs and Aaron Goldsmith call the action on 710 ESPN Radio.