6/17/18: Open Game Thread

It looks as though we’re reaching the point of the year where blue skies and 70-degree weather is the norm. Beauty and sunshine setting the city’s backdrop is always spectacular, but now that our neighborhood nine is playing at such a high level, the weather is accentuated by Mariner wins.

Taking three of four from the mighty Boston Red Sox would be another checkpoint in the race toward legitimacy. Yesterday’s Wade LeBlanc showcase, televised by Fox Sports, surely introduced some people to this year’s Mariners, but winning the series against a media darling could do wonders for their national narrative.

Mike Leake takes the ball for Seattle, looking for his sixth-straight start of 6+ innings and two earned runs or less. Avoiding the middle of the plate is of paramount importance for Leake in every start, but especially when facing an offense as potent as Boston’s. On the other side, 25-year-old Venezuelan lefty Eduardo Rodriguez goes for the Red Sox.

E-Rod owns eight wins, 81 strikeouts, and a 3.64 ERA. The young pitcher also switched his jersey number to 57 before the season to honor Johan Santana. What better way for the M’s to honor the legacy of Santana than clapping a grand slam or two?

Lineups

Game Time: 1:10 p.m. PT

TV: ROOT NW, mlb.TV

Radio: 710 ESPN, At Bat app