Jamie Moyer’s Notebook: Seattle Mariners vs. Toronto Blue Jays May 24, 2015

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Seattle Mariners (20-22) vs. Toronto Blue Jays (19-26) 10:07 AM PST

Pitching Matchup: Taijuan Walker (1-4, 7.47 ERA) vs. Aaron Sanchez (3-4, 4.17 ERA)

Walker: No secrets here, Taijuan needs to have a good start today for the Seattle Mariners. The 22-year-old flame thrower has been shaky all season thus far, and needs to establish some consistency. When better to start than now?

Sanchez: This 22-year-old has been a bit more consistent in 2015, allowing three or fewer runs in seven out of eight starts this season. That being said, Sanchez has struggled with command, with a startling 32 walks in 45.2 innings. If the Seattle Mariners can be patient and make Sanchez throw lots of strikes tonight, they could get some good balls to hit.

More from Seattle Mariners

Lineups:

May 19, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman

Robinson Cano

(22) singles during the eighth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Baltimore Orioles defeat Seattle Mariners 9-4. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Mariners:

1. Brad Miller 2B

2. Seth Smith LF

3. Robinson Cano DH

4. Nelson Cruz RF

5. Kyle Seager 3B

6. Logan Morrison 1B

7. Welington Castillo C

8. Dustin Ackley CF

9. Chris Taylor SS

Blue Jays:

May 22, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays second baseman

Munenori Kawasaki

(66) looks back at a foul ball in the sixth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Rogers Centre. Seattle defeated Toronto 4-3. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

1. Josh Donaldson 3B

2. Russell Martin C

3. Edwin Encarnacion DH

4. Chris Colabello LF

5. Justin Smoak 1B

6. Ezequiel Carrera RF

7. Kevin Pillar CF

8. Ryan Goins SS

9. Munenori Kawasaki 2B

3 Things to Watch For:

1. Cup of LoMo

Logan Morrison is swinging the bat well this year, and ripped a huge triple the other night en route to a Mariners win. With his buddies Nelson Cruz and Kyle Seager hitting balls out at Rogers Centre, I think Logan wants to join in on the fun. I think the big first baseman knocks one out tonight against the Blue Jays’ young righty.

2. Dustin Ackley is a Solid Outfielder!

Since being moved to the outfield at the start of the 2014 season, Dustin has come a long, long way defensively. Lately, he has been a great weapon in the outfield, making sliding catches and smart decisions in both left and center field. He’s got the defense down, now he just needs to start hitting! I say he gets the start and contributes on both fronts today.

3. Robinson Cano Leads the Onslaught

The Seattle Mariners swept the Blue Jays at home late in the 2014 season in a crucial three game set in Seattle, and I expect the same fate for the Blue Birds today. With a young right-handed pitcher on the mound in Sanchez, I expect Robinson Cano, the coming-of-age Brad Miller and an army of left-handed hitters to have a field day and lead the Seattle Mariners to victory.

Last Game’s Predictions:

1. Paxton’s ERA Continues Plummeting–HIT

The Canadian southpaw turned in six innings of two run baseball, leading the Mariners to the series win. Hopefully Taijuan can follow Paxton’s lead in his start today.

2. Cano Does Cano Things–OUT

Robbie continued his 2015 struggles last night with an 0-3 and a walk, but we all know what this guy is capable of. With dudes like Nelson Cruz and Kyle Seager next to his name in the lineup, Cano is bound to turn it around. It’s only a matter of time…

3. Ack Attack Smack–OUT

There was, unfortunately, no “Ack Attack Smack” in fact, Ackley never got into the game at all! Dustin is out in center field today against the right-hander Sanchez.

Season Tally:

Outs: 21     Hits: 15          Batting Average: .417

Next: Some Thoughts On Welington Castillo, Seattle Mariner