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Mariners Game Notes: Brad Miller DH Again on Saturday

ByBrian Helberg|

The Seattle Mariners (12-17) will host the Oakland Athletics (12-19) again on Saturday night at Safeco Field in Game 2 of their 3-game weekend series. First pitch is scheduled for 6:10 pm from the corner of Edgar & Dave. J.A. Happ (2-1, 3.51 ERA) has been great for the M’s in 2015, and he will be tasked with winning the series tonight. Talented youngster Jesse Hahn (1-2, 4.33 ERA) will get the ball for Oakland on Saturday evening. Root Sports Northwest will televise the game locally, and MLB.tv subscribers can watch on connected devices.

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With last night’s exciting win, the M’s have moved into a tie for 3rd place in the American League West with the Texas Rangers. Seattle trails the division leading Houston Astros by 6.5 games.

Mariners’ manager Lloyd McClendon and A’s skipper Bob Melvin have released the following lineups for tonight’s game:

Brad Miller the DH Again on Saturday

The Mariners have opted to hit Brad Miller 2nd in the lineup and use him as the DH for the 2nd consecutive night. Miller was the M’s everyday shortstop until the recent promotion of Chris Taylor. McClendon had been utilizing Miller in the bottom third of the Mariners’ order, but with Austin Jackson on the DL, Miller has been bumped up. It is an interesting decision, but I actually like Miller hitting near the top of the order. He should get some good pitches to hit batting in front of Robinson Cano, Nelson Cruz and Kyle Seager. Also, Miller’s wheels could add another dimension to the Mariners’ offense.

Mariners Transfer LHP Tyler Olson to 15-Day DL

The M’s optioned Tyler Olson down to Tacoma a few days ago, but due to his knee injury, he can stay up with the Mariners on the disabled list. The Gonzaga alum has struggled mightily in his first taste of big league action. Olson is 1-1 with a 5.40 ERA across 13.1 innings this season. He struck out 8 and walked 10 during his brief stint in Seattle. He was incredible in spring training, and he still could develop into an effective lefty specialist in the future. I expect to see Olson again at some point this summer in the Mariners’ bullpen.

Pick to Click

Apr 17, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano (22) stretches at the plate during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

Logan Morrison and Nelson Cruz are as hot as any hitters in the game right now. Cruz was named AL Player of the Month recently, and Morrison came through with a game winning home run last night. I think LoMo and Cruz will be key tot he M’s offense tonight, but I am going to go with Robinson Cano as my pick to click. Cano has had a rough start to the season, but he is hitting .417 with a pair of doubles and an RBI over his last 3 games. He only has 1 home run this season, and I predict he will double his season total in tonight’s game. Look for Cano to collect at least 2 hits, 1 homer and 3 RBI’s on Saturday at Safeco Field.

Final Score Prediction

Tonight’s matchup favors the Mariners on paper. J.A. Happ has been a revelation in 2015, and Seattle beat Jesse Hahn last month in Oakland. The M’s have had trouble sustaining momentum this season, but I think last night’s big win will carry over into tonight’s ballgame. I predict the Mariners will break out offensively, winning 6-3 on Saturday night in Seattle. Winning the first 2 games against the A’s would be a great way to start the M’s 9 game home stand.

Be sure to check back after the game for a full recap of tonight’s victory against the Oakland A’s. (Fingers crossed!) 

Next: Mariners Game Recap: LoMo Hits Walk-off to Beat A’s in 11

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