Mariners Host ‘Vedder Cup’ With Padres

May 10, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Diego Padres outfielder Justin Upton against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Both Teams are Hitting their Stride

Another thing these two teams have in common is this season there are higher expectations due to acquisitions that have boosted the offense. It is no secret that San Diego’s GM A.J. Preller revamped the entire Padres’ lineup and so far it has panned out. Justin Upton is 4th in the National League with 8 home runs and 5th in RBI with 24.

New catcher Derek Norris is hitting .304 and is tied for second in the NL with 13 doubles. Leadoff hitter Wil Myers is leading all of baseball with 28 runs scored.

Their offense has been dramatically improved. In 2014, the Padres were by far the worst offensive club, averaging just 3.3 runs per game. This season they have gotten it up to 4.64, which is third in the National League.

The Mariners are still trying to get their offense going. Nelson Cruz leads the universe with 14 home runs. The Mariners are averaging 3.77 runs per game while last year it was 3.91, so there is still plenty room for improvement. Robinson Cano is starting to turn it on, he hit .348 this past week.

Logan Morrison has been a lot better since he starting using one of Nelson Cruz’s bats. He hit two home runs this week including a walk-off home run with a .273 average.

Let’s take a look at both pitching matchups for this quick two-game series.

Next: Game 1