James Paxton Takes the Mound to Face the Angels

The Mariners have guaranteed themselves at least a .500 record on the season. But this team shouldn’t settle for such mediocrity when the playoffs are only one game away (in the standings).

After the schellacking of the Angels last night, it’s time for another victory against their divisional opponent who’s already in the playoffs.

Game Details:

Seattle Mariners: 81-69. Last 10: 4-6.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: 94-57. Last 10: 8-2.

Game Time: 7:05 PM Pacific time. Location: Anaheim, California. Angel Stadium of Anaheim.

MATCHUPS:

Pitching:

Seattle Mariners LHP James Paxton (6-2, 1.83 ERA) v. LA Angels LHP C.J. Wilson (12-9, 4.61 ERA)

Edge? Paxton.

It really is as if the Mariners made a trade for a solid lefty starter at the trade deadline with the return of James Paxton from prolonged injury. In the entirety of his (short) MLB career he has lost only two games and sports a massively impressive ERA. He doesn’t seem phased by the bright lights, and is capable of flat outdueling Wilson tonight.

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• What Jerry Dipoto’s trades, comments mean for remainder of Mariners offseason

Lineups:

Mariners:

Austin Jackson 8

Dustin Ackley 7

Robinson Cano 4

Kendrys Morales DH

Kyle Seager 5

Chris Denorfia 9

Justin Smoak 3

Chris Taylor 6

Jesus Sucre 2

Of Note: after so many painful offensive performances, the Mariners said yes to playing the game last night. They notched 14 hits and went 8-for-16 with RISP, tallying 13 runs and reawakening an offense that has been intermittently dormant since the series in Boston.

Angels:

Kole Calhoun 9

Mike Trout 8

Albert Pujols DH

Howie Kendrick 4

David Freese 5

Erick Aybar 6

Chris Iannetta 2

C.J. Cron 3

Collin Cowgill 7

Of Note: following a 2-run first inning for the Angels, Roenis Elias and Co. shut down the Angels offense, allowing only 6 hits in the 9 innings of play. Trout and Pujols got their numbers as they are wont to do, but as a team they were baffled by the Mariners bullpen– the best in baseball.

Final Thoughts:

Is this the time the Mariners get rolling and storm their way into the postseason scene? Or was this an aberration and this team will soon fizzle out as an October afterthought. I for one believe in the former– and not just because I am biased. Good feelings surround Paxton and this team, and I think they finally flex those muscles they need to get their Wild Card spot.

Score Prediction:

Mariners 5, Angels 4.