Opinion
3 min read

Will the Mariners Outshine the Cubs in Their Next Encounter at T-Mobile Park?

As the Seattle Mariners gear up to face the Chicago Cubs, fans are buzzing with anticipation for what promises to be an electrifying game at T-Mobile Park. The Mariners, coming off a nail-biting victory against the Cleveland Guardians on April 2nd, have shown they can hold their own in high-pressure situations. That game saw them clinch a 5-4 win with a commendable team effort that included seven hits and zero errors.


Mar 24, 2024; Peoria, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs catcher Miguel Amaya (9) hits against the Seattle Mariners in the first inning at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

The bullpen's performance was particularly noteworthy, boasting an ERA of 2.455 and a WHIP of just 0.5455 over 3.2 innings pitched – numbers that reflect both efficiency and control. The Mariners' hitters also demonstrated patience at the plate, drawing six walks which contributed to their .361 on-base percentage (OBP). This discipline could prove crucial against the Cubs' pitching staff.


However, it wasn't all smooth sailing for Seattle; their encounter with Boston Red Sox on March 31st exposed some weaknesses in their armor. Despite a perfect fielding percentage, they struggled offensively, managing only four hits and one run throughout nine innings – starkly contrasting with their tenacious display against Cleveland.


Mar 8, 2024; Mesa, Arizona, USA;  Chicago Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki (27) break his bat hitting an RBI single in the second inning against the Seattle Mariners  during a spring training game at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

The key takeaway from these past performances is consistency – or rather, the need for it. The Mariners showed two different faces: one where they thrived under pressure and another where opportunities were missed.


Looking ahead to facing Chicago Cubs, it's essential that Seattle harnesses its strengths while addressing its shortcomings from previous games. A focus on maintaining strong OBP figures will be vital in creating scoring opportunities; meanwhile, pitchers must aim to replicate or improve upon recent bullpen successes.


Mar 8, 2024; Mesa, Arizona, USA;  Seattle Mariners pitcher Kirby Snead (43) throws in the second inning against the Chicago Cubs  during a spring training game at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

As fans mark their calendars for April 14th at T-Mobile Park in Seattle (8:10 PM PDT), they can expect an intense battle between two determined teams vying for victory early in this season's campaign. With ROOT Sports NW broadcasting live coverage of every pitch and hit, supporters won't miss a moment of what is set up to be another thrilling chapter in Mariners baseball history.

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