Seattle Mariners Gameday Preview Versus the Blue Jays

Initial Thoughts:

The Mariners put a whomping on the Blue Jays last night to the tune of an 11-1 victory. Tonight they stand one game back of the Detroit Tigers for the 2nd AL Wild-Card spot as they face the Blue Jays once again. To keep pace with the likes of the Tigers, Royals, and Yankees, the Mariners need another convincing win against the canadian squad.

Game Details:

Seattle Mariners: 63-55. Last 10: 7-3. Toronto Blue Jays: 63-57. Last 10: 3-7. Game Time: 7:10 PM Pacific. Location: Seattle, Washington. Safeco Field.

MATCHUPS:

Pitching:

Seattle Mariners RHP Chris Young (10-6, 3.27 ERA) v. Toronto Blue Jays LHP J.A. Happ (8-5, 4.09 ERA). EDGE: Young. Chris is 7-3 at Safeco this season, and could tie his career-best season win total at 11 tonight with a victory. Though his peripheral numbers always leave something to be desired, he continues to attack the top of the strike zone and keep the Mariners in baseball games. Happ has been solid for the Jays this season, but he may be walking into the Mariners offensive buzzsaw that has been going full bore for the last week. If the Blue Jays’ bats wake up too, this game could turn into a shootout.

Lineups:

Mariners:

Austin Jackson 8

Dustin Ackley 7

Robinson Cano 4

Kendrys Morales DH

Kyle Seager 5

Chris Denorfia 9

Mike Zunino 2

Logan Morrison 3

Chris Taylor 6

Of Note: The Ms exploded for 11 runs in last night’s contest, with Ackley, Seager, Cano, Brad Miller, Morrison, and Zunino checking in with RBI. If this offense continues clicking and only gets stronger with the return of Michael Saunders, the playoffs could be a reality this season.

Blue Jays:

Jose Reyes 6

Melky Cabrera 7

Jose Bautista 9

Adam Lind DH

Dioner Navarro 2

Colby Rasmus 8

Danny Valencia 5

Juan Francisco 3

Munenori Kawasaki 6

Of Note: The Blue Jays were held to a single run in last night’s game– a solo homer for Jose Bautista in the 4th off of King Felix Hernandez. Managing only 3 hits off the King and the ‘Pen, the Jays never had a chance in the game. Tonight, however, if they can turn around on Young’s high fastball, they could make it a ballgame.

Final Thoughts:

This is going to be a game. The Mariners really need to get this one, especially with a chance for a sweep tomorrow with Hisashi Iwakuma pitching. However, the Blue Jays have a torrid offense and could light up Chris Young and even the series tonight. The first three innings will really determine where this game is going to go.

Score Prediction:

Mariners 3, Blue Jays 5.