Mariners Game Preview: Iwakuma Looks to Build on Strong Spring

The Mariners will turn to Hisashi Iwakuma when they take on the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday in Peoria.

After tying the Los Angeles Angeles of Anaheim yesterday in Tempe, the Mariners (7-8) will look to improve on their Cactus League record today against the San Francisco Giants (6-9). Up for the Mariners today is everyone’s favorite Bear, Hisashi Iwakuma (2-0 0.00 ERA). Against Iwakuma, the Giants will start offseason free agent acquisition, Jeff Samardzija (0-1 5.oo ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 PM.

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We all know how Hisashi Iwakuma got back to the Mariners this offseason, and we are happy to have him. Iwakuma’s career spring record is 5-1 with 3.42 ERA, striking out 29 batters in 50 innings pitched. This spring he has dazzled. He has recorded wins for both games started, striking out four in five innings pitched, with a gorgeous 0.40 WHIP. He looks to continue this trend today against the Giants.

This offseason Samardzija signed a 4yr, $90 million dollar contract in an offseason laden with pitching talent. The Giants were definitely big spenders this offseason, and hope to make another run at a pennant (it’s an even year) with the likes of Madison Bumgarner, Johnny Cueto and Samardzija taking up spots in the starting rotation. Samardzija’s strike out rate dropped significantly in 2015, and he posted an usually high ERA. This spring the 31-year-old has started three games and has only registered six strikeouts in nine innings, posting a 0-1 record.

Mariners skipper Scott Servais and Giants manager Bruce Bochy have released the following lineups for today’s game:

Today we will see spring standout, Luis Sardinas start at third base. Efron Navarro, who will likely start the season in Tacoma, will start at first base today. All around utility man, Shawn O’Malley will get the nod at shortstop today. The only guaranteed regular season starter we’ll see today in the infield is second baseman Robinson Cano. Nori Aoki, Leonys Martin and Nelson Cruz will start in the outfield today, a combination we’ll probably see throughout the season.

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Adam Lind has apparently has caught the same flu that has kept catcher Steve Clevenger out the last few days, and Lind will be inactive today. Relief pitcher Charlie Furbush is scheduled to play catch today, in an attempt to work out the shoulder soreness that has bothered him since last season.

Today’s game in Peoria will be broadcast on Root Sports, and MLB.tv subscribers can watch on connected devices. Fans in the Pacific Northwest can listen to a delayed radio broadcast on 710 ESPN.

Next: Mariners and Angels Tie in Tempe

Follow SoDo Mojo on twitter for live updates throughout today’s action, and check back for the game recap after the final out of today’s game is recorded. Go Mariners!