Mariners Game Preview: Felix Hernandez to Surpass Jamie Moyer in Franchise Wins

Apr 16, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez (34) delivers a pitch agains the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez (34) delivers a pitch agains the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Seattle Mariners will play a day game with Felix Hernandez on the mound and go for the sweep Wednesday afternoon against the Oakland Athletics at the Oakland Coliseum.

The Seattle Mariners (15-11) will go for the sweep against the Oakland Athletics (13-15) Wednesday afternoon in Oakland at the Coliseum. First pitch is scheduled for 12:35 pm.  Felix Hernandez (2-2, 1.38 ERA) will take the hill for the Mariners, and Sean Manaea (0-0, 7.20 ERA) will be opposing Mariners hitters for the Athletics.  Oakland swept Seattle in Seattle early this season.  The Mariners will look to finish sweeping the Athletics this afternoon and returning the favor.

Felix Hernandez pitched a strong seven innings in the previous meeting against the Oakland Athletics in Seattle on April 10th.  He gave up just three hits and had ten strikeouts and came away with a no decision as the Mariners would lose that game 2-1.  Felix is having a strong start to 2016 but has had the classic problems in that the team struggles offensively in games he takes the mound.  Felix Hernandez will look to become the winningest Seattle Mariners pitcher with a win today to surpass Jamie Moyer.  They both currently sit at 145 wins.

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Sean Manaea will get his second big league start for the Oakland Athletics.  He has never faced the Seattle Mariners.  In his first start he faced the Houston Astros and allowed four runs on four hits and four walks and three strikeouts.  The big left hander will face a formidable Seattle Mariners lineup that has been steadily heating up as a group.

Mariners skipper Scott Servais and Athletics manager Bob Melvin have released the following lineups for tonight’s game:


Pick to Click

Robinson Cano has emerged as the offensive leader of this team.  He will definitely continue to stay hot.  His batting average has been steadily moving up each game for the last week.  His slash line currently sits at .267/.330/.571.  He has led the American League in home runs most of the season and is currently tied for the AL lead at 9.  But what most fans don’t know is that he leads the American League in RBI’s as well.  The Mariners are getting on base this season and it’s resulting in wins.  Cano knows what’s on tap today with Felix going for the most wins.  Look for him to be front and center leading the Mariners offensive attack.  Cano will continue to make his case for the MVP award.  A few notables will get into the lineup today.  Franklin Gutierrez will get the start in right field and Dae-ho Lee will start at first base.  I expect both will shine today on the field and at the plate.

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Final Score Prediction

I predicted the Mariners to have a season defining series against the Oakland Athletics.  So far it has gone as indicated.  Look for that to continue this afternoon.  With Felix Hernandez on the mound to put the nail in the coffin and a new pitcher getting his first start against the Mariners, I believe the Mariners will finish out the sweep.   The offense could have a very big day against the left hander.  The Mariners should shut out the Athletics 6 to 0.  The Mariners will go to five games over the .500 mark.  And the season is still young.

Next: Mariners Minor League Roundup: Who’s Hot & Who’s Not

Make sure you follow SoDo Mojo on twitter for live updates throughout tonight’s game, and check back after the final out has been recorded for a full recap. Go Mariners!