Attendance Bump Part 1

By Patrick

Winning time

That's what Red Sox games are for the Mariners, one giant boost in asses in the seats. And in this weekend's case, a brutal home test that they need to pass to right the ship. The stadium may have more Sox fans than M's fans, so it will be important for the M's to play well, since losses will add on extra embarrassment. Felix, Noesi, Ramirez, and Vargas will go against Morales, Cook, Beckett, and Doubront. Why can't the Mariners win all four of these games? Because they'll find a way to lose of course!

June 28: Felix Hernandez (5-5, 3.36) vs. Franklin Morales (1-1, 3.12)

Odd pitching matchup here. On paper, huge advantage to Felix here. Morales isn't even a starter by trade, and so the M's will likely get to look at a number of different arms today. I would say they can punch on him, but four runs in four games doesn't really suggest that sort of ability. Felix could be in for another long night as far as run support goes, so he'll have to build on his success against the Padres last weekend and shut down the Sox tonight. The M's probably won't give him more than four runs, so Felix needs something in that 7-8 inning, 1-2 run, 7-9 strikeout range for the team to pull this one out. 

Players to watch:

Jesus Montero: Six months ago, Montero was the name that promised to put fear in the hearts of Red Sox fans for years to come. Nowadays, not so much. But Montero will still be a fearsome player in a few years, just not right now, and Boston don't have to worry about Seattle nearly as much as the Yankees. Jesus needs to get it rolling again with his power soon, so I think he will go deep tonight. Why not?

Daniel Nava: I had never heard of this guy before he started hitting really well about a month ago. As a rookie, Nava boasts a .315 average with 25 RBIs. Not bad at all. He doesn't bring much power to the equation, but his .433 OBP is filthy. And now he's leading off. Take notes, Ichiro.

Prediction:

M's 4, Red Sox 2: Felix, Felix, and more Felix. The King will provide his court with a lot to cheer about tonight. The Sox have a good young lineup, but Felix will be in top form. Nava might get on, but Felix will lock them up. Three run homer by Montero will be the difference. Go M's.