Seattle Mariners Probable Pitchers & Starting Lineup vs Oakland Athletics, 5/4

Sitting on the couch Wednesday night, I realized how thankful I am for the earlier starts and changes made to the game this year. Due to rain, the Mariners game didn't see the first pitch thrown out until 7:45 PM. In the past, this means that a game like this likely wouldn't have finished until 11:30 PM or so. Instead, we were still treated to a game with a time of just 3:07.

It's good for everyone involved that the game didn't go on that long. Shoot, if this game would've either been a Yanks-Sox game or a Cardinals Tony LaRussa double-switch special, it would've gone 4:30. I bring this up because the Mariners have a nice afternoon travel game, and the finale is set to take place at 12:37. I love me some afternoon baseball. Let's get into some of the matchups for the series finale as the Mariners look to sweep the Oakland Athletics.

Mariners vs Athletics: Probable Starting Pitchers

For the Mariners, George Kirby takes the mound. He's coming off the best start of his career, according to game score (76), as he went 8 IP against the Phillies and gave up just one run while striking out 7. That barely bested his previous high mark (75) which was established last season against these Oakland Athletics. That game saw him go 7 innings, strike out 9, giving up just three hits, one walk, and one run. Are we in for a repeat? Could this be the best start of Kirby's young career?

For the Athletics, they will be throwing Drew Rucinski. This is just his second start of the season. The first didn't go great as he gave up 11 hits in 5.2 IP against the Reds. Rucinski last appeared in the majors in 2018 for the Marlins, and his MLB resume is very thin. This is just his third career start, and he has only thrown 59.2 IP, tallying an ERA of 5.28 with a WHIP of 1.642. This is a prime opportunity for the Mariners to continue hitting like they did in the 10th inning, as Rucinski struck out just 1 Reds player in his earlier outing.

Seattle Mariners Starting Lineup

Fair amount to go through here. No Cabalerro today, as Wong is back in. Of note, Wong is 7 for his last 17, and could be turning a corner. Dumper is in after seeing a PH and late game substitution as he entered for Tom Murphy last night. Julio is still resting a bit, and leads off at DH. Teo and his league-leading strikeouts are in the 6-spot. Trammell is 8th, and will be in left. Kelenic is manning CF and hitting 3rd.

Predictions that are sure to go wrong: 0 HR today from the Mariners, but double-digit runs. Yeah, it's gonna be a hit parade. Wong has two hits, as does Teo. 15 in total today, with... Crawford having the best game as he goes 3-4 with a BB.

Can the Mariners keep the late night offense going?

The explosion of offense late in Wednesday's game was a welcome surprise, and very much needed. AJ Pollock continues to hit in bunches, with homers late in back-to-back games that saved the game for the M's. Geno launched a 3-run bomb that devestated Dallas Braden on the Athletics call, and the Mariners would tack on two more in the 7-2 win.

The offense has been bad against Oaklands starters. Can they break that trend and get to the very hittable (for the Reds, at least) Rucinski? It's arguably one of the best opportunities that they have seen this season, and this seems like one of those games that we should see the Mariners jump out to an early lead and continue to pile on, winning 9-1.

Yeah, it's aggressive and optimistic. But all the negativity I've seen lately only makes me all the more positive that this team is going to be okay.

How do I watch and listen to the Seattle Mariners game?

You can catch all the Mariners games on Root Sports, while listening to them on ESPN 710. They're also available on the MLB.TV app for those that are subscribed, as well as FuboTV. However you can manage, make sure to tune in and watch the series finale against the Athletics to see if the Mariners can get the sweep before they head back home.