Series Preview: Angels @ Mariners (We’re not the worst!)

Angels (26-29) @ Mariners (24-34)

Remember when the Mariners started out the season 11-2 and everyone in Seattle got excited? I do. The Dipotos came back down to earth after those first two weeks and since then have gone 13-32. That’s a lot of losing. Amirite?? At least the Angels had a rough start so our buttercup wasn’t as extreme. Haven’t already played 6 games and walking away with only 1 win, the Angels have some work to do in this series. Both of these teams can score runs and both have some shaky pitching so get ready for a ride. However - the Mariners are throwing 3 lefties at the Angels so Seattle definitely has the edge there.

Know your foe:

Mariners - who’s hot (last 7 days):

Weather Forecast

GAME 1

(R) Felix Pena (3.22 ERA) v. (L) Yusei Kikuchi (3.82 ERA)
Thursday, May 30th @ 7:10PM

Pitcher vs. Batters

Angels Summary:

If past history tells us anything, an opener will be used in front of Felix Pena for this start. Pena has the best ERA on the team. Is it because he’s just been good - or has the opener helped him? Pena was roughed up a bit by Oakland his last time out but against the Mariners last month he allowed only 2 hits and 3 runs over 5 innings.

Pitch Data:

Mariners Summary:

The Mariners aren’t holding back Kikuchi much - he’s already thrown 63.2 innings this year, including 5 against the Angels. In that game, Kikuchi served up 10 hits and 4 runs while striking out 3.

Pitch Data:

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GAME 2

(L) Tyler Skaggs (4.40 ERA) v. (R) Mike Leake (4.93 ERA)
Friday, May 31st @ 7:10PM

Pitcher vs. Batters

Notable Stats

Angels Summary:

Tyler Skaggs will be facing the Mariners for the first time in 2019. This will be his 10th start. He’s had some mixed results this year but in 4 of his last 5 starts has allowed 2 or fewer runs.

Pitch Data:

Mariners Summary:

Mike Leake has been pretty reliable for the Mariners. He’s throw 6+ innings in 8 of his starts and is coming off back to back starts in which he allowed only 2 runs. The Angels knocked 3 home runs and 4 runs of Leake earlier this year.

Pitch Data:

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GAME 3

(L) Andrew Heaney v. (L) Tommy Milone (3.38 ERA)
Saturday, June 1st @ 4:15PM

Pitcher vs. Batters

Notable Stats

Angels Summary:

Andrew Heaney was solid in his 2019 debut on Sunday. He allowed on 2 runs on 2 hits (both home runs) and struck out 8 over 5 innings.

Pitch Data:

Mariners Summary:

Tommy Milone will be making his 3rd start this season. He faced the Rangers in his first two starts and allowed 4 total runs over 10.2 innings while striking out 13.

Pitch Data:

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GAME 4

TBD v. (L) Marco Gonzales (3.96 ERA)
Sunday, June 2nd @ 1:10PM

Pitcher vs. Batters

Notable Stats

Angels Summary:

TBD

Mariners Summary:

Marco Gonzales has already faced the Angels twice in 2019. The first time out he allowed 3 runs over 7 innings and the second time just 1 run on 4 hits, falling just 2 outs short of a complete game.

Pitch Data:

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Overall Verdict: Despite facing two lefties, this is a series the Angels could pull off at least a split. I don’t seem them sweeping the struggling Mariners, but a series win isn’t out of the question.

Current Standings (sorted by playoff odds)

Notes/Credits:
(Pitch tracking data from baseballsavant.mlb.com)
(Splits from FanGraphs Splits Tool and Baseball Reference)
(Standings/odds from fivethirtyeight.com)