Mariners Game Preview: M’s Turn to King Felix in Series Finale with A’s

The Seattle Mariners will hope to avoid being swept by the lowly A’s this afternoon at Safeco Field.

The Seattle Mariners (2-3) will play host to the Oakland Athletics (3-3) in the series finale of their 3-game set on Sunday afternoon. First pitch is set for 1:10 pm from the corner of Edgar & Dave. The Mariners have dropped the first two games of the series, and they will turn to Felix Hernandez (0-1, 1.50 ERA) in hopes of avoiding being swept. Chris Bassitt (0-0, 6.75 ERA) will toe the rubber for the visiting A’s.

Things did not go according to plan for King Felix on opening day this past Monday. The 30-year-old right-hander took his first loss of the season after allowing 3 runs across 6 innings of work against the Texas Rangers. Hernandez racked up 6 strikeouts and issued 5 free passes. Those numbers are obviously less than ideal, but it’s worth noting that only 1 of the runs he allowed was earned. Also, Felix limited the opposition to just 1 hit all afternoon. Hernandez typically pitches very well in front of his ‘King’s Court,’ and hopefully that trend continues today.

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Chris Bassitt was roughed up during his first outing of the season, as he gave up 4 runs on 8 hits across 5.1 innings in a no-decision against the Chicago White Sox. The 27-year-old right-hander struck out 4 and walked 2. Bassitt had a dismal record of 1-8 last season, but his 3.56 ERA was respectable. He has struggled against the M’s throughout his career, and enters play with a 0-2 record and a 4.67 ERA through 4 appearances.

Mariners skipper Scott Servais and A’s boss Bob Melvin have released the following lineups for this afternoon’s series finale:

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Pick to Click

I’m going to go with Nelson Cruz as my pick to click today. The Boomstick has gotten off to a bit of a slow start in 2016, but I think he will make a big impact this afternoon. Cruz was the M’s offense last season, hitting .302 with 44 home runs and 93 RBI. Look for Nelly to club his second homer of the season today, while collecting 3 hits and driving in 3 runs.

Hydro Race Prediction

The M’s do a phenomenal job making fans happy even when the play on the field is less than entertaining. One of my favorite parts about attending a game at Safeco Field is the famed hydro challenge on the jumbotron. My heart tells me that the red boat will win today, but my head suggests the smart money is on the green boat. So, I’ll predict the green boat will cross the checked line first this afternoon, but I expect a close race.

Next: Mariners Can’t Solve Athletics Pitching Staff

Final Score Prediction

Saturday night’s game was a disaster for Seattle, as the A’s won 6-1. I’m hopeful things will change dramatically this afternoon. King Felix should have very little trouble against a mediocre A’s lineup, and I think the Mariners will jump all over Chris Bassitt. Don’t quote me, but I predict the M’s will win 7-2 in the series finale.