Will the Seattle Mariners warm up in chilly Milwaukee?

The Mariners head to Milwaukee for a three-game series against the Brewers that begins on Friday. The Mariners bring a 4-3 record from playing the Red Sox and the Guardians. The Brewers have a 4-1 record from games with the Mets and the Twins. The Mariners will hopefully warm up their pitching, hitting, and defense during this trip.

Milwaukee came to T-Mobile Park last year. I recall having a leaden feeling as the Mariners lost the first, the second, and the third game of this series. We had eight wins and eight losses to that point, and it quickly turned to eight wins and 11 losses. We had also recently lost Robbie Ray due to injury.

Many people agreed that the Mariners had a slow start in 2023. After the first two series, “slow start” may be an apt description of the team thus far in 2024. Perhaps a road trip is just what the team needs.

What to Expect From the Brewers’ Lineup vs the Seattle Mariners

The Brewers have played five games to date. They swept their three games with the Mets. The Twins must be their "rival team," because they split a two-day match with Minnesota. Their record is four and one.

I look forward to watching a rising Venezuelan star on the Brewers: Jackson Chourio. The 20-year-old debuted on Opening Day in the leadoff batting position. He hits well, steals bases, and is quick. Fellow players compare him to Ronald Acuña Jr., Julio Rodríguez, and Bo Bichette. Chourio wants to be like Julio and Acuña: do well and have fun. He hit his first career home run in a game against Minnesota.

Other players to watch are Brice Turang and Christian Yelich, who have each had hot starts to the season. Turang has already stolen six bases and sports an on-base percentage of .444. Yelich has a batting average of .368 and has two home runs and two stolen bases. Additionally, their lineup includes Rhys Hopkins, Willy Adames, and William Contreras.

How About the Brewers' Pitching?             

The Brewers traded their Cy Young winning pitcher, Corbin Burnes, to Baltimore for one pitcher, an infielder, and a pick in the 2024 amateur draft. The Brewers have veterans and then some very young guys. Their closer Abner Uribe is 24, and their new pitcher from Baltimore, D.L. Hall, is a 25-year-old southpaw.

Mariners RHP Logan Gilbert (1.29 ERA) will start against RHP “Fastball Freddy” Peralta (1.50 ERA) on Friday. RHP Bryce Miller (7.20 ERA) will face rookie LHP D.L. Hall (4.50 ERA) on Saturday.  On Sunday, RHP Emerson Hancock (5.06 ERA) will face RHP Colin Rea (1.80 ERA).

The Brewers have several strong relievers. Abner Uribe is their closer and has a 3.00 ERA after three innings pitched. Elvis Peguero has a perfect ERA after four innings, as does Joel Payamps after three frames.

Several Mariners’ relievers also have a perfect ERA: Austin Voth, Collin Snider, Gabe Speier, Ryne Stanek, and even Josh Rojas!

Win or Lose?

I hope that playing in another ballpark will help our pitchers and batters build confidence and regain their usual form. The Mariners need to be on top of their game to beat the Brewers and I hope they will be. Go, Mariners!