Mariners look to continue homestand success against the White Sox

The Mariners took care of business against the Miami Marlins, winning 2 of 3 games in the series. While the offense got hot in the first two game (putting up 17 runs), They cooled off real quick against the 20-year-old buzzsaw Eury Perez. Now, the Mariners welcome in the 30-40 Chicago White Sox. The M's will look to finish the homestand winning another series, but this one could be tougher than the records show.

Chicago comes in winning 5 of their last 10 games. Their road record so far this season is just 13-23, and their run differential is -53 for the season. With all of that said, The White Sox have a 14-9 record against losing teams. That is a weird stat because of the division they play in. The American League Central has a combined record of 143-199, with only the first place Minnesota Twins (35-34) having a .500 or better record.

Mariners vs White Sox: Pitching Matchups

Game 1: Michael Kopech (3-5, 4.03 ERA) Vs. Bryan Woo (0-1, 10.80 ERA)
Game 2: Lucas Giolito (5-4, 3.54 ERA) Vs. Logan Gilbert (4-4, 4.38 ERA)
Game 3: Lance Lynn (4-7, 6.75 ERA) Vs. Bryce Miller (4-3, 4.06 ERA)

Game 1 starter Michael Kopech is sporting a 1.72 ERA, throwing 31.1 innings over his last 5 starts. Over that span, he has struck out 44 while only walking 5. Opponents are slashing just .148/.214/.250/.464. 4 of the 6 earned runs he gave up came in one game against the Angels on May 29th. Lucas Giolito is a name that keeps being brought up as a possible trade target for a contender, along with game 3 starter Lance Lynn. Both could be auditioning for their new teams come July.

The White Sox best player so far is easily Luis Robert. LouBob leads his team in Runs (45), Hits (67), Doubles (19), Home runs (17) and WAR (2.9). The only warts he shows are his low walk rate (5.4%) and his high strikeout rate (28.9%). The walk and strikeout rate is all too familiar for Mariners fans (Looking at you, Kelenic, Teo and Julio!)

If you just look at the records of both teams, you would think the Mariners should do just fine against Chicago this weekend. But when you look at the numbers I have shown you above, This has the making of a trap series. All 3 starters are more than capable of shoving, and that lineup can get hot at anytime. Mariners fans may want to temper their expectations of an easy sweep, because the Sox are a better team than their record shows.

Mariners T-Mobile Park Promotions

Friday night, the Mariners will celebrate Pride Night with a special pride themed Fireworks show post game. Saturday is "Salute to the Negro Leagues day" . The Mariners will be giving out a Seattle Stealheads replica jersey to the first 10,000 fans, as the team will celebrate Juneteenth. Don't forget that this sunday is Father's Day! The first 10,000 dads through the gates will receive a "Geno Vibes" talking bottle opener. But Dad isn't the only one getting something! All kids 14 and under will get a Cal Raleigh poster, as the Mariners are promoting Youth Softball Day.

Friday's game will once again be only available to watch on Apple TV+. So keep that in mind when you are scrolling for the game Friday night. As always, Go Mariners!