The Seattle Mariners (48-52) are fast becoming one of the most exciting teams in baseball with a slew of homegrown talent cropping up, and will attempt to sweep the Cleveland Indians today in a matinee game with a 3:40 p.m. start time. The game can be live streamed here; Mariners fans can listen to the game on 710 ESPN, while Indians fans can tune in to WTAM 1100.
While the acquisition of catcher Jesus Montero from the New York Yankees hasn't panned out, and second base prospect Dustin Ackley has failed to deliver on his promise, several other talents are emerging from Seattle's farm system.
Today, infield prospects Brad Miller and Nick Franklin will be taking hacks against Indians starter Scott Kazmir (5-4, 4.30 ERA). Kyle Seager has established himself as an above-average MLB starter, and first baseman Justin Smoak, although not an original Mariners minor leaguer, has offered good production of late.
Seattle has won eight straight games, and are looking to pay Cleveland back for their sweep of the M's back in May. "When we were in Cleveland they were playing really good baseball, obviously, and they got a few breaks for them and that's what good teams do," Seager said. "This series we've been playing pretty well and we've been able to capitalize when given the opportunities."
During this eight-game winning streak Seattle pitchers have combined for a sparkling 2.04 ERA, which today's starter Joe Saunders (9-8, 4.28 ERA) will look to maintain.
Indians manager Terry Francona has plopped Yan Gomes at catcher; Gomes is rapidly becoming Kazmir's personal receiver, seemingly developing the sort of rapport associated with a golfer and caddie. "Unless something happens, we'll keep doing it," Francona said. "And we want Gomes to play."
Gomes has caught Kazmir in his last six starts; Kazmir allowed three runs or less in all six.
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
