Mariners at Indians
The
Cleveland Indians are finding their offensive stroke while the Seattle
Mariners long for life in the Pacific Northwest. The two teams will
continue their abbreviated two-game set at Progressive Field on
Thursday. The Indians belted a season-high five doubles and cruised to
their third straight win with a 9-3 triumph in Wednesday's series
opener.
The offensive onslaught proved too much for struggling
Seattle, which fell for the 11th time in 12 road games. Dustin Ackley
was the lone bright spot for the Mariners as he belted a two-run homer
and extended his hitting streak to 12 games. Seattle is only 1-5 on its
current 10-game road trip.
TV: 12:05 p.m. ET, ROOT Sports (Seattle), STO (Cleveland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Hector Noesi (2-4, 6.32 ERA) vs. Indians RH Zach McAllister (1-1, 4.15)
Noesi
couldn't overcome a tough beginning to his last start against his
former team. The 25-year-old settled down after a four-run inning but
suffered a 6-2 loss to the New York Yankees on Saturday. Noesi, who is
in second season, has yet to face the Orioles in his brief career.
Although
he struck out eight, McAllister permitted four runs for the second
straight outing and dropped his first decision of the season. The
24-year-old was blasted in his lone career outing versus Seattle last
season, yielding 10 runs on nine hits in 3 1/3 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1.
Cleveland's Shin-Soo Choo has made himself at home while batting in the
leadoff position. Choo, who had three hits Wednesday, is 6-for-13 since
taking over the role Monday. He has yet to face Noesi in his career.
2.
Indians third baseman Jack Hannahan missed his third straight contest
with a lower back strain. Manager Manny Acta is awaiting the results of
his MRI exam, and plans to make an assessment Thursday.
3.
Seattle's Brendan Ryan has failed to record a hit on the road trip
(0-for-12) and is mired in a 5-for-56 slump. Ryan is 0-for-2 with a
strikeout in his career versus McAllister.