The Seattle Mariners are gearing up for a crucial matchup against the Detroit Tigers, facing ace Tarik Skubal in a winner-take-all game. This marks their fourth encounter with Skubal, and they aim to secure their fourth consecutive victory against him. Skubal has been a standout performer, showcasing remarkable statistics both in the regular season and playoffs.
Skubal’s Performance in 2023
During the 2023 season, Tarik Skubal has been leaned on heavily, setting a career-high for innings pitched. His playoff performance aligns with his impressive regular-season stats, making him a formidable opponent for Seattle.
Previous Matchups Against Skubal
- April Game: The Mariners played their first game against Skubal in Seattle. The lineup saw significant changes compared to October.
- July Game: In July, Seattle faced Skubal again, but he employed a different pitch strategy, which did not yield successful results.
- October Game: Their latest meeting saw Skubal still performing at high velocities, averaging close to 98 mph on his fastballs.
Pitching Strategy and Conditions
In the April matchup, Skubal relied heavily on his four-seam fastball, throwing it 43 times out of 93 pitches. He also mixed in 30 changeups, a pitch that had great success against Seattle hitters. However, in July, the Mariners adjusted to Skubal’s pitch mix, as he decreased his four-seam usage and increased his sinkers.
The game conditions are also a factor, with forecasts predicting rainy weather and temperatures in the mid-50s. These elements may influence the pitching effectiveness and strategies employed during the game.
Key Factors for Mariners’ Success
Seattle’s strategy will revolve around being disciplined at the plate. Historically, they have shown an ability to avoid chasing pitches, swinging at only 35.1% of pitches outside the zone in April and 23.8% in July. Recent statistics from the October matchup indicate they have maintained this trend with a 33% chase rate.
Exploiting Skubal’s Weaknesses
The Mariners’ hope lies in their ability to exploit any weaknesses in Skubal’s pitching repertoire. By forcing him into deeper counts, they aim to capitalize on the Detroit bullpen, which is considered less robust than their own.
As the Mariners prepare to face Skubal, they recognize that solid tactics and patient hitting will be crucial for overcoming the talented lefty. With the playoff on the line, both teams will strive for victory, making for an exciting encounter at T-Mobile Park.
