Mariners Look to Sting the Rays With a Sweep

Tai Walker will face Chris Archer in this battle between young righties.

The Seattle Mariners (20-13) will take on the Tampa Bay Rays (15-16). First pitch is scheduled for 12:40 pm PT as M’s righty Taijuan Walker (2-2, 1.97) faces off against Chris Archer (2-4, 4.23).

After last night’s win, the M’s are now 7-7 at home and 7 games over the .500 mark atop the AL West.

In his last start, Walker was pulled in after 2 innings with neck spasms. Apparently he had just slept wrong, but that’s still something to be aware of. This season as a whole, though, Walker has been outstanding. Over 6 starts, he has thrown 32 innings while striking out 29 and walking only 3 batters. If Walker can stay on the field for 6 innings while allowing 0 walks, it could be another great night for the talented starter.

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Archer’s numbers on the year don’t look too intimidating. But over his last 2 starts, he has pitched 12 innings while allowing only 2 runs on 6 hits, striking out 10 and walking 6. That is a really good couple of games, but 6 walks is a lot to have over 12 innings. He has issued 17 free passes over 38.1 innings on the season. The Mariners need to capitalize on that getting runners on via the walk, and then drive them in.

Here are tonight’s starting lineups as announced by M’s skipper Scott Servais and Rays manager Kevin Cash:

Pick to Click

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Despite hitting just .212 this season in 85 at-bats, Adam Lind has hit quite well against Archer. In 20 at-bats against the righty, Lind is hitting .350 with an RBI. We are all waiting for him to really get going this season, and maybe today is the day. Look for Lind to go 2-4 with a 2 RBI double late in the game.

Final Score Prediction

Both young starters on the mound today will make it tough on hitters. Both teams will have to take advantage of any mistakes that their opposing pitcher makes. The Mariners lineup is just better than the Rays, so I think they will find more opportunities to get on base, and to score runs. I think the Mariners will earn the series sweep today by a final score of 5-2.

Next: Ho, Ho, Ho - Mariners Win Again!

You can watch tonight’s game locally on Root Sports Northwest, and MLB.tv subscribers can watch worldwide on connected devices. Fans can also listen to the game live on 710 ESPN. And be sure to 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. Go Mariners!