Game 23, Mariners at Tigers – Thank You, Big Maple
Hisashi Iwakuma vs. Justin Verlander, 10:10am
Not going to spend a long time on this one, as the tarp’s on the field and it may not happen, but the M’s go for a series win today following yesterday’s command performance by James Paxton.
Paxton tossed 103 pitches, 74 of which were fastballs. The heater averaged 97, generated 12 swinging strikes, and essentially gave the Tigers no chance. Paxton’s cutter is really rounding into shape these days. I think that pitch more than any other benefited from Paxton’s lower release point, and now its vertical movement has more separation from his fastball. His curve’s fine, but it almost feels unnecessary at this point. Paxton’s velo and command are just overwhelming teams right now.
Iwakuma’s velo and command are NOT overwhelming right now, but his uptick in his last start was a very encouraging sign. I think everyone’s going to be looking at gameday if this game ends up getting played.
Justin Verlander’s off to a poor start, walking a bunch of people and getting hit harder than he has since 2014. Let’s hope that continues today.
1: Segura, SS
2: Motter, 1B
3: Cano, 2B
4: Cruz, DH
5: Seager, 3B
6: Gamel, RF
7: Heredia, LF
8: Ruiz, C
9: Dyson, CF
SP: Iwakuma
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3 Responses to “Game 23, Mariners at Tigers – Thank You, Big Maple”
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*crickets*
We win! hope you guys all have a great day!
Mariners Win Two in a Row On The Road ! Iwakuma rises from the curb the bloggers kicked him to.
L. Martin in Tacoma, Gamel with Gamer, Diaz with Save, Motter with Moxey, life is good today !
I was at work, and only got to listen to the last couple of innings.
But – Woo Hoo anyway! And we’re only 2.5 back now! I guess Houston isn’t invincible after all…