Seattle Mariners 2022 Playoffs: How the M’s starters stack up against Toronto
Joe Swenson
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Game by Game
Game 1: Castillo vs. Manoah
This game is a tough one and depends on which team’s offense is ready to patiently wait out the other team’s pitcher. The Seattle Mariners have demonstrated being a patient bunch, but their offense has been weak lately. Meanwhile, Toronto’s offense has been flying high of late.
Edge: There is no clear edge here, but if someone needed an answer on this, the Jays would be a slight favorite.
Game 2: Ray vs. Stripling
If the Jays don’t use Berrios as a starter, he’ll likely jump into this game to help. In every start, Ray is typically dominant for all but one of his innings of work.
The key will be to get through that one tough inning without it killing his momentum. Stripling has struggled against patient teams throughout the season.
Edge: The Seattle Mariners have an edge in this one, whether it’s Stripling or Berrios making the start.
Game 3: Gilbert vs. Gausman
Logan has been stronger overall and especially down the stretch in this one. Gausman also struggles against teams that can wait him out and try to jack up the pitch count.
Gilbert is already 30+ total innings and nearly 70 MLB innings above his previous career highs. He shows no signs of letting up.
Edge: Gilbert.
Final Thoughts
In this scenario, if Seattle wins Game 1, they should have no problem winning Game 2 or 3. Then again, the Mariners have shown that offensively they wilt whenever pressure is applied, so they must avoid a do-or-die scenario.
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Joe Swenson is an award-winning, international playwright whose play The Final Out will soon debut professionally.