Mariners Game #115 Preview: 8/7/24, DET at SEA

i have an orange cat named sunkist back in texas

Last night the Tigers tried to gift the Mariners a win by trotting out the struggling Keider Montero to start the game. Perhaps tonight with some reverse psycology, the M’s will be able to steal one away as they face one of the best pitchers in the AL in Tarik Skubal. Skuba diver has an arsenal that seems specifically designed to scupper the Mariners, with a devestating fastball/sinker combo.

But hey, stranger things have happened, and the Mariners are sure to get some help from their guy on the mound.

Lineups:

Per fWAR, George, not Skubal, is actually the best pitcher in the AL, rocking a 4.1 total that ties Braves starter Chris Sale for the major league lead. His strikeout to walk ratio is immaculate, and over his last 12 starts is sporting a 1.95 ERA. But you don’t need me to tell you that. We all know that Furious George is a demon that torments opposing lineups.

Tonight’s game is really going to come down to which pitcher gets rattled first and who has a better defense behind him. Behind George, the Mariners will have Turner and Polanco on the right side of the infield. Before the game, Scott Servais said that despite the inflammation last night, Turner’s hand was feeling good this morning. He took some rips in the cage and said he felt fine, so he’s coming in tonight to try and put something together against the lefty.

All in all, we’re looking at a great pitcher’s duel tonight, with maybe even a shot at a sub-2 hour game if both pitchers lock in. The speedrun is on.

Game Information:

First Pitch: 6:40 pm PT

Radio: Seattle Sports 710 AM with Rick Rizzs and Dave Sims

TV: ROOT Sports with Aaron Goldsmith and Mike Blowers

Today in Mariners history:

• 1988 - The Mariners set a Major League record for most sacrifice flies with five in a nine-inning game. The Mariners beat the Oakland A’s, 12-7, in this effort.
• 2001 - Mike Cameron draws a bases loaded walk in the 14^th inning to give Seattle a 5-4 win vs. Toronto.
• 2009 - Ken Griffey Jr. hit his 623^rd career home run on Ken Griffey Jr. Bobblehead Night.
• 2011 - Felix Hernandez recorded his 15th career double-digit strikeout game, recording 12 strikeouts and zero walks in a complete-game loss in the Mariners 2-1 loss to the Angels.
• 2022 – Jesse Winker hits his first grand slam with the Mariners, helping the Mariners win 6-3.