The first game of the season went in the Seattle Mariners' favor, and while this was published before the second game in this series, it doesn't change the fact that the Cleveland Guardians will be seeking a win in this one. Pitching was where both teams excelled in 2022 and that was on display Thursday night, with Seattle shutting out Cleveland in a 3-0 win. The three runs all came from one swing in the bottom of the eighth. These young squads are trying to get back in the postseason, and facing each other early is an excellent test of what 2023 has in store. At 9:40 p.m. EST in T-Mobile Park, we'll get take three between the Guardians and the Mariners.
Ty'd no more.#SeaUsRise | #OpeningDay pic.twitter.com/wGimYYGY9w
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) March 31, 2023
When your 2022 season is marked by offensive inconsistencies, particularly with slugging percentage, the worst way to begin a new campaign is by failing to put up runs. Yet, that's exactly what Cleveland did on Thursday, only recording four hits and one extra-base hit from Jose Ramirez. The Guardians have excellent bat-to-ball skills, with the lowest strikeout rate among all teams in 2022, but their lack of pop resulted in an offense with a wRC+ of 99. 100 is league average, so their contact prowess isn't going to be enough without someone besides Ramirez (and hopefully new addition Josh Bell) slugging.
The good news is that their pitching staff, which was top-10 in ERA, walks, and hits allowed among many other stats in 2022, seemed as strong as last season. The one blemish was reliever James Karinchak, who recorded only one out and allowed all three runs that decided the game. He was known to work at a slow p ace on the mound and has solid career numbers, so he's probably one of the many pitchers still adjusting to the pitch clock. Every other pitcher that came in on Thursday tossed zeroes.
Aaron Civale is starting this game, and he had a rough 2022 with an even rougher postseason appearance to cap it. Civale made 20 starts last season and finished with a career-high 4.92 ERA. His lone 2022 start against the Mariners came in Seattle, and he allowed four runs and two homers in 6.1 innings. However, Civale showed improved command last season, with career-bests in strikeouts per nine and strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Cleveland has their eyes set on winning the AL Central again and making it further than the ALDS. They added Josh Bell to the lineup hoping to improve upon their home run total which was 29th last season. Their pitching is a bit banged up right now but shouldn't be a concern this season.
No House Advantage: Bet on player over/unders VS THE HOUSE to 21x your bet OR play in PICK 'EM contests against other people! Click here to get a 1st deposit match up to $100 1st w/ promocode WandW!