Mariners Game Preview: King Felix Goes for History in Anaheim

King Felix will attempt to overtake the Big Unit for the most strikeouts in Mariners’ history.

The Seattle Mariners (8-8) will attempt to run their winning streak to four games this evening against the Los Angeles Angels (7-10). First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 pm from Angel Stadium in Anaheim. Felix Hernandez (1-0, 1.00 ERA) will toe the rubber for the Mariners, and Hector Santiago (1-0, 2.61 ERA) will get the ball for the home side.

King Felix will hopefully etch his name into the record books this evening when he notches career strikeout number 2,163 to surpass Randy Johnson for the most strikeouts in M’s history. This seminal moment was supposed to take place last night, but Hernandez was scratched due to illness. Felix enters play tonight with a 1-0 record and a 1.00 ERA, but he has not pitched overly well thus far in 2016. He has struck out 20 and walked 13 in 18 innings, so it will be interesting to see what level of command the King has tonight.

Hector Santiago made his first All-Star appearance with the Halos in 2015, and the 28-year-old southpaw is off to another fast start this season. Santiago is 1-0 with a 2.61 ERA through his first 3 starts of the year. He has struck out 20 and walked 6 across 20.2 innings pitched.

Mariners’ skipper Scott Servais and Angels’ manager Mike Scioscia have released the following lineups for tonight’s game:

Pick to Click

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The Mariners have not struggled to score runs during the past two games, as they enter play having plated 15 runs since Thursday. Seattle has received contributions from nearly everyone in their lineup, but the heart of the order has really stepped up lately. I expect that trend to continue in this one. That’s why I am going with Franklin Gutierrez as my pick to click. Guti homered in the extra frame last night, and he is 3 for 6 during his career against Santiago.

Final Score Prediction

Seattle is firing on all cylinders right now, and I don’t think the Halos will be able to slow the M’s roll tonight. The Mariners are hoping to eclipse the .500 mark with a win, and King Felix will undoubtably be pitching with purpose. With that in mind, I predict the M’s will win 4-2 tonight in Anaheim.

Next: M’s Win with Gutierrez Pinch Hit and Cruz Insurance

Make sure you follow SoDo Mojo on twitter for live updates throughout the game, and check back after the final out has been recorded for a full recap.