Mariners Game Preview: M’s Go for 5th Consecutive Series Win

The Seattle Mariners will attempt to win their fifth consecutive series on Saturday night at Safeco Field.
The Seattle Mariners (12-10) will host the Kansas City Royals (12-10) in game two of their weekend series on Saturday night at Safeco Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 pm from the corner of Edgar & Dave. Wade Miley (1-2, 7.04 ERA) will get the ball for the Mariners, and Yordano Ventura (2-0, 2.35 ERA) will be on the bump for the visitors.
It has been a turbulent start to Wade Miley’s career in Seattle. The veteran southpaw enters play with a record of 1-2 and a 7.04 ERA through four starts with the Mariners. Miley has posted a 19:6 strikeout to walk ratio in 23 innings pitched, and has allowed 1.652 walks/hits per inning. Miley has yet to have a quality start in 2016, but hopefully that changes tonight against the defending champs.
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Ventura is trending in the opposite direction of Miley. The fireballing right-hander is off to a fantastic start with the Royals, going 2-0 with a 2.35 ERA in four outings. Ventura has averaged one strikeout per inning, but he has had trouble with walks, issuing 14 free passes in 23 innings. The M’s worked 7 walks in last night’s win, so hopefully they can remain patient against Ventura tonight.
Mariners’ skipper Scott Servais and Royals’ head man Ned Yost have released the following lineups for tonight’s game:
Starting lineups for tonight's game between the #Mariners and #Royals. First pitch is at 7:10 pm in #Seattle. pic.twitter.com/GQWDURfJ9X
— SoDo Mojo (@SodoMojoFS) April 30, 2016
Pick to Click
Seth Smith has been a stud for the Mariners in 2016, and I am predicting he will play an integral role in tonight’s contest. The 33-year-old corner outfielder is slashing .288/.424/.500 with 3 home runs and 12 RBI this season with Seattle. He was the entire offense on Friday, as his solo home run was the M’s only hit and served as the game’s only run. Smitty also worked a pair of walks in last night’s win. I expect Smith to contribute a couple of hits tonight while driving in at least 1 run.
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Final Score Prediction
Honestly, I have serious doubts about the Mariners’ chances tonight. The pitching matchup heavily favors the Royals. However, where’s the fun in predicting a Seattle loss? Instead, I think the M’s bats will unexpectedly come alive against Ventura, pushing 7 runs across the plate. Look for the Mariners to squeak out a 7-6 win.
Jumbotron Hydro Race Prediction
Now on to the important stuff. Being that it is Saturday night, I predict that the green boat will bring the party this evening at Safeco Field. It will be a nail bitter, but I am extremely confident in my selection.
Next: Mariners Minor League Roundup: Who’s Hot & Who’s Not
Make sure you follow SoDo Mojo on twitter for live updates throughout tonight’s game, and check back after the final out has been recorded for a full recap. Go Mariners!