Mariners vs Tigers Preview 9/19: Paxton vs Fister
By Matthew Gray
Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Detroit – Lefty James Paxton (2-0) takes the mound for the Mariners today to close out the last installment of a three-game spread. He faces off against RHP Doug Fister (12-9), with the M’s looking to chalk up the win and take the season’s last series between the two.
Paxton, a 6-4, 220 pound specimen, makes his third career start in the majors. The 24 year old top prospect has been solid since his September call up, allowing just two runs and six hits in 12 innings. Paxton hasn’t beaten mopes, either. His two victories have come against playoff competing teams, the Rays and Cardinals.
Fister has ruled his former team since the 2011 steal trade, owning a 1.29 ERA in two career starts. Drafted by the Seattle Mariners in 2006 (7th round) — Fister was mistreated by an absence of run support in his last appearance, pitching into the eighth in a maddening 1-0 loss to the Royals.
The Mariners have struggled at the dish all year collecting an overall .239 batting average. But hope to polish off the year with something to build on. After knocking around the Tigers ace Justin Verlander last night in an 8-0 landslide, the M’s may have started laying a foundation for improvement already.
It’s getaway day for the Mariners, meaning an afternoon start. First pitch is scheduled for 1:08 PM at Comerica Park.