Mariners (Gilbert, 5-5, 4.97) vs Royals (Kowar, 0-3, 11.50)

If the Mariners have any hope to stay in the race they need to take advantage of teams like KC. The trouble is that the Royals aren’t co-operating, taking Saturday’s game 8-0. The Mariners need this game badly, but is Gilbert the one to deliver? He has been up and down this season, but very good in September, lasting 6 innings per start and allowing 2,2,and 0 runs respectively. His long starts are a bonus as Seattle’s bullpen has been pitiful of late (7.62, last 7). KC’s batters have struggled against Gilbert, with the exception of Sal Perez, although everyone has struggled with Sal Perez this season.

Jackson Kowar starts for the Royals. In two sessions with the Royals this season, Kowar has failed to impress. His first start in a September call-up was fine but he has struggled since, allowing 11 runs in 7 innings. The Royals’ relievers are better than usual with an ERA of 3.41/L7, but very overused lately, to the tune of 5+ innings a game.

The Royals hitting has been a plus of late. They are not a particularly good home team, and are poor vs right-handers. Seattle is ok on the road, good vs, right-handers, and very good on Sundays.

The Mariners’ pen worries me, but Kowar has really struggled. After yesterday’s loss, this is a must-win for the Mariners on Sunday and Gilbert has delivered some big outings lately. It may be ugly but take the Mariners to win outright.