The Mariners have been a major disappointment this year, but, of course, they are cruising lately, winning seven of their last 10 games.
The Yankees are clinging to a one-game lead over the Rays, and are doing so despite an 8-10 August thus far.
Head to Head:
The Yankees are leading the season-series 4-3 and this is the last time they’ll face the Mariners this year. Consider yourself warned: King Felix has thrown two complete games in two tries against the Yanks this year. In those starts he struck out 20 Yanks and allowed one run, a solo shot to Nick Swisher.
Pitching Matchups:
| Date: | Mariners starters | Yankees starters |
| Fri., 7:05 p.m. | F. Hernandez (8-10, 2.62) | A.J. Burnett (9-10, 4.66) |
| Sat., 1:05 p.m. | Jason Vargas (9-5, 3.15) | J. Vazquez (9-9, 4.89) |
| Sun., 1:05 p.m. | Luke French (2-3, 4.02) | CC Sabathia (16-5, 3.12) |
Lineup Notes: Alex Rodriguez is back in the lineup tonight after missing the last three games against the Tigers due to a minor calf injury.
Surprisingly, Brett Gardner is hitting leadoff again despite A-Rod’s return. He has seemed a little more comfortable there the past few games and it took him out of his funk.
Prediction:
I was dead on with my call last series, so let’s see if I can come through again. Tonight will be a challenge, obviously (I just benched Burnett on my fantasy team), and I don’t like Vazquez’s chances tomorrow either. That leaves one small victory for the big man on Sunday.
