9/14/20: Open Thread, Game 1

Despite an air quality index hovering between the “very unhealthy” and merely “unhealthy” range, the Mariners and Athletics are on track as of now to start their doubleheader today at 2:10 PM PT. The games are makeups for the missed series following Oakland’s having a player test positive for COVID-19 a few weeks back. While twinbills have abounded in 2020, this is just the first second for Seattle, so don’t forget the 2020-specific rule: 7 innings! Seattle is likely pleased with the shorter sessions, having expended much of their bullpen over the weekend, but the starter for the second game has yet to be determined for the M’s. It could be Ljay Newsome, but we’ll see.

For game one, we’ll see a rather exciting pitching matchup, as Seattle’s ace Marco Gonzales faces the guy Oakland hopes will be their future ace - LHP Jesús Luzardo. The M’s made a couple roster moves before today’s game, featuring recent callup Tim Lopes right in the lineup against the lefty Luzardo, giving them a bench of C Joe Odom, 2B/UTIL Dee Gordon, and INF Donavan Walton. The A’s lineup is formidable, but slightly lessened without Matt Chapman, as well as a late scratch of Nate Orf. You can check in on the series preview for more:

GAME TIME: 2:10 PM PT

TV: ROOTNW
Radio: 710 AM ESPN
Online: MLB.TV

Rain, it appears, may be here to help ever so little. Fingers crossed.