Happy (real) Opening Day!
James Paxton takes the mound tonight as the first Mariners rookie in franchise history to start a home opener. He is not the youngest pitcher to start a home opener, however -- that distinction belongs to one Felix Hernandez, who kicked off the 2007 season at the tender age of 21. Speaking of M's starters, can you name the pitcher who started the most consecutive home openers for Seattle? (Answer is given below the lineups.)
Paxton will be going head-to-head with southpaw Hector Santiago for a re-match of the M's 8-2 win in Anaheim last Wednesday. Santiago lasted just five innings, striking out four batters and getting shelled with seven hits, four runs, and three walks. Hopefully for the Mariners, little will change this time around. With the exception of Kyle Seager (in place of a certain WFB), both Lloyd McClendon and Mike Scioscia will be trotting out identical lineups from last week's match-up.
Game info
- Mariners vs. Angels, 7:10 p.m. PST
- Tonight's game will be televised on ROOT Sports and broadcast on 710 ESPN. Also, if you live in Seattle, you have the option of attending tonight's home opener at Safeco Field.
Lineups
Mariners (J. Paxton - L) vs. Angels (H. Santiago - L)
Mariners
- Abraham Almonte (S) CF
- Brad Miller (L) SS
- Robinson Cano (L) 2B
- Justin Smoak (S) 1B
- Corey Hart (R) DH
- Kyle Seager (L) 3B
- Stefen Romero (R) RF
- Dustin Ackley (L) LF
- Mike Zunino (R) C
Angels
- Kole Calhoun (L) RF
- Mike Trout (R) CF
- Albert Pujols (R) 1B
- David Freese (R) 3B
- Josh Hamilton (L) LF
- Howie Kendrick (R) 2B
- Raul Ibanez (L) DH
- Chris Iannetta (R) C
- Erick Aybar (S) SS
*Trivia answer: Jamie Moyer, who pitched four home openers from 2003 to 2006. He's tied with Randy Johnson for most home openers overall (5).