BASEBALL PREVIEW: Mariners at Athletics

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Interstat) — The Seattle Mariners and the Athletics meet Wednesday afternoon at Sutter Health Park, with a 67-degree forecast and rain expected.

The Mariners (26-29) will try to build on a 9-2 victory Monday in the opener of this series. The Athletics (27-27) seek to split the two-game set before a three-game home series against the New York Yankees begins Friday.

Seattle was expected to start right-hander Logan Gilbert (2-4) or left-hander Jeffrey Springs (3-5). The Athletics had not announced a starter.

Players to watch

Mariners outfielder Randy Arozarena delivered the decisive blow in Monday’s win, going 3-for-5 with a home run and three RBIs. Over his past 10 games, Arozarena is batting .240 (6-for-25) with two homers and nine RBIs.

Athletics right-hander Jack Perkins, a reliever likely to be deployed early, worked 4 2/3 innings Monday, allowing three hits and two earned runs while striking out seven. In his past four appearances, Perkins has a 3.38 ERA over 10 innings with 12 strikeouts.

Head-to-head

Monday’s win was Seattle’s second in five meetings this season. The Athletics took two of three in Seattle from April 20-22. Interstat’s game simulator projects a 5-3 Athletics victory.

Up next

Seattle opens a three-game home series Friday against Arizona. The Athletics host New York for three games beginning Friday.