:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56550779/477138428.0.jpg)
After last night’s karmic debacle/Kate Upton face fest of a ballgame, the Seattle Mariners will arrive at Safeco Field hoping to avoid a series sweep at the hands of the Houston Astros—a fate they’ve somehow managed to escape all year.
Noted Mariners-destroyer Lance McCullers gets the nod for Houston, his first appearance since spending a month on the DL with back discomfort. Impeccable timing, as always. José Altuve mercifully has the day off.
On the mound for the Mariners is Andrew Moore, assuming the rotation spot of an embattled Yovani Gallardo, who has been relegated back to the bullpen. Moore hasn’t pitched in Seattle since his disastrous bullpen appearance during Deadgar Weekend, and hasn’t made a start since July 26th against the Red Sox. He likely has a short leash this evening, and Scott Servais could elect to hand the reins to someone like Marco Gonzales early if his starter gets into trouble.
Meanwhile, Mike Leake, who was initially scheduled to pitch today, will open the series against the Angels on Friday instead.
Against the 2017 Astros, one out of three ain’t bad. Hopefully the M’s can make us all proud and eke one out today.
*