Shawn O’Malley at shortstop for Mariners in righty-heavy lineup
Sep 20, 2016, 3:22 PM | Updated: 6:09 pm
Shawn O'Malley hit .229. with two home runs and six stolen bases in the Mariners' utility role last season. (AP)
(AP)
The Mariners will hand the ball to right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma on Tuesday with hopes of pulling even in this crucial three-game series with the Blue Jays and, potentially, salvaging the team’s chances for a postseason berth.
Seattle’s bats were silent for the first six innings of Monday’s 3-2 loss to the Blue Jays, and the team will now face former Mariner J.A. Happ, who is looking for his 20th win of the season. The Mariners entered the day three games behind Toronto and Baltimore for a wild-card spot.
Seattle is rolling out its predominantly right-handed lineup, with Guillermo Heredia and Franklin Gutierrez in the top two positions. Seattle has had success against lefties this season, with four players (Nelson Cruz, Gutierrez, Robinson Cano, Kyle Seager) having hit at least 10 home runs against southpaws. The previous club record was two players having accomplished the feat. Switch-hitter Shawn O’Malley will bat ninth and play shortstop.
Toronto fans seemed to outnumber the Mariners contingent at Safeco Field on Monday, but Seattle has been successful at home of late, posting a 31-20 record at home since May 30.
The 7:10 p.m. game will be live on 710 ESPN Seattle. The pregame show begins at 6.
Mariners
Guillermo Heredia, LF
Franklin Gutierrez, RF
Robinson Cano, 2B
Nelson Cruz, DH
Kyle Seager, 3B
Dae-Ho Lee, 1B
Leonys Martin, CF
Chris Iannetta, C
Shawn O’Malley, SS
Hisashi Iwakuma, RHP
Blue Jays
Devon Travis, 2B
Josh Donaldson, 3B
Edwin Encarnacion, 1B
Jose Bautista, DH
Russell Martin, C
Troy Tulowitzki, SS
Michael Saunders, RF
Kevin Pillar, CF
Ezequiel Carrera, LF
J.A. Happ, LHP
