8/15: Open Game Thread

The Mariners had a chance to take this series yesterday, but instead head into today's rubber match seeking the series win against the Rays. Tampa had been reeling, too, on a six-game losing streak while in a tight race for one of the American League's two wild card spots.

The bummer, for me, about that loss last night was how the lefty-heavy lineup did well against one of the game's best southpaws. Granted, they only collected six hits in the contest, but those hits came in timely moments with runners in scoring position. Cashing in those chances against a true ace is worth applauding.

Tonight, they get a right-hander on the rubber in Alex Cobb, who has just been activated from the disabled list. Back in mid-June, Cobb was hit in the head by an Eric Hosmer line drive. He's had two rehab stints in the minors, with the second seeing him going only 4 1/3 innings for High-A Charlotte. He gave up three runs on five hits. Cobb was having a nice season in the majors before the injury, so we'll see how the 25-year-old handles his first game back.

Acting manager Robbie Thompson is sitting Michael Morse, so C Henry Blanco will be the only hitter batting righty.

9. Henry Blanco (R) C

LHP Joe Saunders

RHP Alex Cobb

Pre-game question:

With this being the one-year anniversary of Felix Hernandez's perfect game, where were you when the final out happened?

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>A year ago today, I thought Vargas was pitching and drove past Safeco after UWs practice and didnt see Felix throw a perfect game in person</p>&mdash; Ryan Divish (@RyanDivish) <a href="https://twitter.com/RyanDivish/statuses/368111542765506561">August 15, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Ouch.