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Mariners' J.P. Crawford Poised for Big Game Against Orioles in Seattle Showdown

First Inning


As the Mariners prepare to host the Orioles at T-Mobile Park, all eyes will be on J.P. Crawford, the Mariners' shortstop, who has been a standout performer over the last three games. In their recent series against the Twins, Crawford displayed exceptional hitting prowess with an impressive .500 batting average and a remarkable 1.25 OPS in one of the games. His ability to consistently get on base with a .5 OBP and deliver clutch hits will be crucial as he leads the Emerald City squad into this matchup.


Jul 2, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Baltimore Orioles right fielder Anthony Santander (25) reacts towards the dugout after hitting an RBI-single against the Seattle Mariners during the fourth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Crawford's consistency at bat is complemented by his flawless fielding performance, boasting a perfect 1.0 fielding percentage across all three games against Minnesota. This defensive reliability makes him an invaluable asset for the Mariners as they look to capitalize on any mistakes made by Baltimore's lineup.


Second Inning


On the mound, Luis Castillo stands out as a formidable force for Seattle. With an ERA of 0.0 and a WHIP of 1.0 in his recent outing, Castillo has demonstrated his ability to keep opposing hitters at bay. His control is evident from his low on-base percentage allowed (.261) and efficient pitching with just over 16 pitches per inning pitched.


Jul 2, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners third baseman Josh Rojas (4) hits a single against the Baltimore Orioles during the third inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

The Mariners' bullpen has also shown depth with Matt Brash and Eduard Bazardo contributing significantly with ERAs of 0.0 in their respective appearances against Minnesota. Brash's strikeout rate of 18 K/9 innings highlights his potential to overpower Baltimore's hitters if called upon during critical moments.


Third Inning


For Baltimore, Gunnar Henderson emerges as a key player to watch in this matchup against Seattle. The Orioles' shortstop delivered an impressive .500 batting average and maintained a perfect fielding percentage in their recent game against the White Sox, showcasing both offensive and defensive capabilities that could pose challenges for Seattle.


Jul 2, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez (44) reacts after striking out against the Baltimore Orioles during the fifth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Charlie Morton will likely play a pivotal role on the mound for Baltimore, having recorded an ERA of 0.0 with a WHIP of 1.05 in his last start while striking out batters at nearly ten per nine innings (9.45 K/9). Morton's ability to limit baserunners will be crucial if Baltimore aims to stifle Seattle's offense led by Crawford and company.


Fourth Inning


In addition to Crawford, Julio Rodríguez adds another layer of threat from Seattle’s lineup with consistent performances across all three games against Minnesota, maintaining a .400 batting average and solid defensive work in center field without committing any errors.


Meanwhile, Randy Arozarena’s versatility as both an outfielder and hitter provides additional options for Seattle’s manager when strategizing against Baltimore’s pitchers like Dean Kremer or Zach Eflin who have been effective recently but face stiff competition from these seasoned hitters.


Fifth Inning


As we look ahead to this exciting clash between two competitive teams at T-Mobile Park on June 5th at 3:40 PM ET (broadcasted on MASN2), fans can expect high-intensity baseball filled with strategic plays from both sides eager for victory.


Will J.P. Crawford continue his stellar form? Can Luis Castillo maintain dominance over opposing batters? And how will Gunnar Henderson respond under pressure? These questions set up what promises to be an enthralling contest between Mariners’ resilience versus Orioles’ determination – don’t miss it!


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