Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Seattle Mariners must feel pretty good after their showing against the Oakland Athletics this weekend. That momentum they might have is subject to change however as they are about to face a buzz saw of a team in the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Mariners have shown time and again this season just how good they can be against even the best teams in Major League Baseball. I’m not sure they are ready for the Pirates right now though.
You are talking about one of the hottest offenses in baseball that is backing up the pitching staff with the best overall ERA in baseball. Also, they are playing good enough to climb within a game of the St. Louis Cardinals that have been baseball’s best team for well over a month. All in all, the Mariners have their work cut out for them if they plan to win a game out of the two they play. They do have a chance though.
The first game of the series will see the Mariners having to face one of baseball’s best starters in Jeff Locke but they have the very reliable Joe Saunders going for them who is most certainly no slouch at home, which is where the series will be played. Game two the Mariners will send Felix Hernandez out to the bump where he will try and get some retribution for giving up a huge lead to the Los Angeles Angels a few days ago.
All things considered this series will be a very tough one for the Mariners but when you look at the way these two have the ability to pitch at Safeco Field; it could be a very difficult series for the Pirates as well. We’ll see who gets the better of the exchange.
David Miller is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @davidmillerrant, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google+.
