Lineups: Mariners turn to James Paxton for must-win rubber match
Sep 28, 2016, 8:57 AM | Updated: 9:32 am
James Paxton will be pitching to Mike Zunino in the rubber-match with the Astros on Wednesday. (AP)
(AP)
The Mariners’ already slim wild-card hopes will rely heavily on the left arm of James Paxton in a must-win rubber match today against the Astros in Houston.
After an error-filled sixth inning Tuesday cost Seattle a chance to gain ground in the wild-card standings, the Mariners sit two games behind the Orioles for the final postseason slot with five games left in the regular season. The Astros sit a half-game behind Seattle and the Tigers are one game in front.
Paxton was impressive in his previous outing, spinning an impressive curveball during his seven-inning, nine-strikeout performance against the Twins. The big southpaw will be pitching to Mike Zunino behind the plate for the 11:10 a.m. game that will air live on 710 ESPN Seattle. Coverage begins with the pregame show at 10.
Mariners
Norichika Aoki, LF
Seth Smith, RF
Robinson Cano, 2B
Nelson Cruz, DH
Kyle Seager, 3B
Adam Lind, 1B
Leonys Martin, CF
Mike Zunino, C
Ketel Marte, SS
James Paxton, LHP
Astros
George Springer, RF
Alex Bergman, 3B
Jose Altuve, 2B
Carlos Correa, SS
Evan Gattis, C
Marwin Gonzalez, 1B
Yulieski Gurriel, DH
Teoscar Hernandez, LF
Jake Marisnick, CF
Doug Fister, RHP
