Seattle Mariners Gameday Preview at Oakland

Happy Felix Day! Despite the Mariners’ best efforts last night, they weren’t able to lose the game to the Oakland Athletics.

Today’s matinee rubber match gives the Mariners another major opportunity to gain ground in the divisional and Wild Card races.

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Game Details:

Seattle Mariners: 74-63. Last 10: 5-5.

Oakland Athletics: 79-59. Last 10: 3-7.

Game Time: 12:35 PM Pacific. Location: Oakland, California. O.Co Coliseum.

MATCHUPS:

Pitching:

Seattle Mariners RHP Felix Hernandez (13-5, 2.23 ERA) v. Oakland Athletics LHP Jon Lester (3-2, 2.66 ERA)

Edge? Push.

I cannot believe I’m not taking Felix in this one, but he hasn’t been good since his record-setting ‘super quality-start’ streak was broken last month. Lester continues to pitch well for the A’s in a contract season. I hope this one turns into a good old fashioned pitching duel.

Lineups:

Mariners:

Austin Jackson 8

Chris Denorfia 9

Robinson Cano 4

Kendrys Morales 3

Kyle Seager 5

Corey Hart DH

Mike Zunino 2

Stefen Romero 7

Chris Taylor 6

Of Note: the Mariners scored 6 runs last night, with Jackson, Seager, and Endy Chavez supplying 2 RBI each.

Athletics:

Sam Fuld 8

Josh Reddick 9

Josh Donaldson 5

Adam Dunn DH

Brandon Moss 3

Jed Lowrie 6

Stephen Vogt 3

Derek Norris 2

Eric Sogard 4

Of Note: James Paxton went 7.2 strong innings before the bullpen tried to make it interesting for the M’s. The A’s scored 5 runs in the 8th and 9th innings, but before that they were dead as doornails.

Final Thoughts:

Felix is bound to get back on track as the stretch run approaches and the playoffs are in sight. Still 1.5 games back of the 2nd Wild Card spot, the Mariners have work to do and still need some help. But winning this series against the 79-win Athletics will aid in a big push towards the playoffs.

Score Prediction:

Mariners 4, Athletics 2.