Seattle Mariners Gameday Preview at Texas

Last night’s rain delay didn’t dampen the Mariners as the came from behind to first tie the game 2-2, then take the lead 4-2 for good in the 8th inning.

Today’s matinee is the final game of the 4-game series in Texas, with the Mariners having a rare opportunity for the 4-game sweep.

Game Details:

Seattle Mariners: 78-63. Last 10: 6-4 (currently on a 5-game winning streak).

Texas Rangers: 53-89. Last 10: 1-9 (currently on an 8-game losing streak).

Game Time: 12:05 PM Pacific. Location: Arlington, Texas. Globe Life Park.

MATCHUPS:

Pitching:

Seattle Mariners LHP James Paxton (5-1, 1.91 ERA) v. Texas Rangers RHP Derek Holland (0-0, 1.29 ERA)

Edge? Paxton.

Derek Holland started his first game of the season earlier this week after missing the entire beginning of the year after injuring himself in the offseason (by tripping over his dog). Though he went 7 strong innings in his first outing, Paxton has been dealing since his return from Triple-A and the disabled list, making a strong case that he deserves to sit near the top of the Mariners rotation permanently.

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Lineups:

Mariners:

Austin Jackson 8

Chris Denorfia 7

Robinson Cano 4

Kendrys Morales 3

Kyle Seager 5

Corey Hart DH

Stefen Romero 9

Chris Taylor 6

Jesus Sucre 2

Of Note: the Mariners trailed late last night before Seager tied up the contest with a two-run homer. Then, in the 8th inning, Denorfia (who replaced the injured Dustin Ackley) walked and was driven in by Kendrys Morales to take the lead for good. Seager went 3-for-5, and the M’s totaled 11 hits last night.

Rangers:

Leonys Martin 8

Daniel Robertson 7

Adam Rosales 5

Adrian Beltre DH

J.P. Arencibia 2

Michael Choice 9

Rougned Odor 4

Ryan Rua 3

Luis Sardinas 6

Of Note: the Rangers were held to just 2 runs on 7 hits in last night’s game. And although they walked 4 times as a team, they only managed one extra-base hit (a double) and were 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position.

Final Thoughts:

The Mariners are riding high after winning the series in Oakland and now up 3 games to none in this 4-game set in Texas. They are surging with late-season momentum, and the playoffs are well within their grasp. The Mariners need to finish off this sweep before taking it to the Astros at home. By beating these AL West teams that they should be beating, they are only furthering their standings in the Wild Card. Expect James Paxton to shut down this Rangers offense.

Score Prediction:

Mariners 5, Rangers 3.