6/27: Open game thread

This afternoon's lineup is the same as yesterday's, with the exception that Dustin Ackley gets the start in center field instead of Austin Jackson. This is just Ackley's fourth start in the last fifteen games; however, despite being used sparingly, Ackley's bat has been pretty okay this month. In 37 PA, he's hitting a more-than-respectable .258/.361/.419, good for a wRC+ of 125. It's important to remember that the vast majority (more than 90%) of these appearances have come against righties, but if Ackley experiences his usual second-half-swell in performance, that would be pretty nice for the M's and their anemic offense.

Happ will be making his first start of the season against Los Angeles. Current Angels hitters have had a lot of success against him in the past (going 20 for 58 with 14 walks and 7 XBH), so it's important that he finds his rhythm early. Alternatively, current Mariners hitters have struggled mightily against Garrett Richards; they've combined to go just 26 for 116 against him, while striking out 21 times and drawing just four unintentional walks. Richards has already found success against the Mariners this season, tossing seven innings of one-run-ball back in the beginning of May, so the M's offensive players definitely have their work cut out for them.

Go M's!

Game info:

• Mariners @ Angels, 4:15 PM PST
• TV: FOX!
• Radio: 710 ESPN
• Online: MLB.tv