The Seattle Mariners have the opportunity to play spoiler to the playoff hopes of the Oakland Athletics, something they struggled to do in Friday's 8-2 loss. Having lost five consecutive games against the A's, the Mariners turn to Jason Vargas (14-11, 3.94 ERA) to turn things around. Oakland counters with Dan Straily (2-1, 3.60 ERA).
Vargas is 2-1 with a 2.36 ERA against the A's in 2012, but he's 1-3 in his last seven starts. This is the first game against Seattle for A's rookie Straily. His last two outings have seen a combined six runs on 10 hits over 11⅓ innings. He struck out eight in his post recent game, a 5-4 Oakland loss where he was not involved in the decision.
Trayvon Robinson and Michael Saunders have had some offensive success for Seattle lately. Both had home runs in Friday's game, and Saunders is 7-for-21 with four extra base hits in his last five games against Oakland.
First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. ET.
