Series Preview: Mariners @ Angels (Mighty Fall)

Angels 73-73
Mariners 79-66

These two teams have squared off 15 times this season, with this series being the last time they will face each other in 2018. Thanks to some genius MLB scheduling, the first 9 games were all played in Seattle with the last 10 games all being played (or will be played) in Anaheim. The Angels are behind 7 games to 8 in the season series but have won 4 of their last 6 and have scored 40 runs in those games to the Mariners 24.

The decline of the Mariners has been greatly documented. Wander on over to Lookout Landing and you will see despair abound. This once surging team has been in a free fall, and is coming off a 2 game sweep at the hands of the Padres.

Know your foe:

Mariners - who’s hot (last 7 days):

LOL! The Mariners scored only 10 runs over the past week and had the worst AVG in MLB.

Weather Forecast

GAME 1

Odrisamer Despaigne(R) (6.40) ERA v. Mike Leake(R) (4.11 ERA)
Thursday, September 13th @ 7:07 PM

Pitcher vs. Batters

Notable Stats

Summary:

Nothing gives you confidence going into a series against the Mariners like putting Despaigne on the mound. Despaigne has an 8.25 ERA as an Angel and his last time out he pitched in relief, giving up a run on 2 hits without logging an out.

Pitch Arsenal:

Mike Leake has had a pretty decent year, but not as much luck against the Angels who’ve scored 12 earned runs off him in 4 starts. He’s generally good for 6+ innings and in 2 of his last 4 starts he hasn’t allowed a run.

Pitch Arsenal:

Verdict: Pair Despaigne’s desperate pitching with Leake’s leaky faucet, and you just may have a game here. Still, I’d lean more toward Leake and his much more likely ability to throw a good game.

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GAME 2

Matt Shoemaker(R) (3.45 ERA) v. TBD
Friday, September 14th @ 7:07 PM

Pitcher vs. Batters

Notable Stats

Summary:

Two starts back and Shoemaker has looked good so far. He’s tossed 10 innings and allowed 3 runs. Cruz and Cano have had their way with him in the past so hopefully he can hold them down enough to stay in this one.

Pitch Arsenal:

The Mariners haven’t announced a starter at the time of this writing.

Verdict: Hard to say without a Mariners starts, but Shoey has been looking good.

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GAME 3

Andrew Heaney(L) (3.98 ERA) v. Erasmo Ramirez(R) (5.31)
Saturday, September 15th @ 6:07 PM

Pitcher vs. Batters

Notable Stats

Summary:

Andrew Heaney is coming off a very strong start against the White Sox in which he struck out 12 and didn’t allow a run over 7 innings. In his 3 starts against the Mariners this year, he’s allowed 5, 2 and 3 earned runs.

Pitch Arsenal:

Not officially announced, Ramirez seems to be a likely candidate for this s tart. He’s only allowed 3 runs over his past two starts and 10.1 innings. With only 8 starts in 2018, this will be his first start this year against the Angels.

Pitch Arsenal:

Verdict: Heaney shuts down the Mariners and Ramirez struggles. Call it a hunch. Or it could be a pitching duel. Flip a coin.

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GAME 4

Jaime Barria(R) (3.53 ERA) v. Marco Gonzales(L) (4.24 ERA)
Sunday, September 16th @ 1:07 PM

Pitcher vs. Batters

Notable Stats

Summary:

Sure he’s not going to win it, but you have to at least give Barria some consideration for ROY. He’s had one hell of a season. Last time out, Barria struggled a bit and gave up 4 runs over 3 innings, but in his prior two starts he held both Houston and Texas scoreless.

Pitch Arsenal:

Like Ramirez, Gonzales is not officially announced, but likely. Aside from his last start against the Padres, Gonzales has been a bit of a mess. Over the month of August he had a 10.35 ERA. However, in his past 3 starts against the Angels he has a 2.49 ERA.

Pitch Arsenal:

Verdict: Should be another close one. Both pitchers have fared well against their opposing teams.

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Overall Verdict: The Mariners will be looking to rebound from an embarrassing series against the Padres but the Angels have been playing some good ball. In fact, since August 29th (and Pujols going on the DL), the Angels are 9-4.

Current Standings