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After weather worries had yesterday's game in jeopardy up until the first pitch, the Mariners proceeded to summarily steamroll the Twins and ensure no rain delay would hold them back. Tonight they will take on another over-matched starting pitcher in Kyle Gibson. Last week Gibson had his best start of the year, holding the M's to just one run over six innings despite filling the bases up repeatedly, with a massive assist from CF Byron Buxton. Kyle Gibson is a former first round pick and has been a below-average to decent pitcher over the last three years. Kyle Gibson has been very bad this year.
Let's hope the latter continues, since Christian Bergman has essentially been the opposite! Bergman has rightfully earned accolades and appreciation for going deep into games this season, and outside of his one horrid start in Washington, has been a good pitcher. We don't just get to toss out one start though, and currently Bergman's FIP sits at 5.88, or over a full run worse than Yovani Gallardo's 4.78! Gallardo has an ERA of 6.11, of course, while Bergman is sitting at 4.04, which is hard to ignore, and Bergman has had the dream experience of this team's design. 60% of his contact is in the air, allowing the defense to chase down trouble and keep him safe. Minnesota's cavernous outfield suppresses homers and is theoretically a good fit for Bergman once again. Here's hoping.