2025-09-09 Cardinals at Mariners Matchup Preview

Pitching Matchup

The St. Louis Cardinals will send left-hander Matthew Liberatore to the mound. Liberatore's success hinges on his ability to command his fastball and effectively mix in his secondary offerings to keep hitters off balance. If Liberatore can keep the ball down in the zone and avoid hard contact, he can limit the damage against a Mariners lineup that can be prone to chasing pitches out of the zone.

The Seattle Mariners will counter with left-hander Robbie Ray. Ray features a fastball that is capable of reaching high speeds and has shown a knack for generating swings and misses. His effectiveness will depend on his ability to locate his fastball and utilize his slider to keep Cardinals hitters guessing. Walks have been a concern for Ray in the past, so minimizing free passes will be crucial for a quality start.

Cardinals' Hitting Approach

The St. Louis Cardinals offense enters this game with a team weighted on-base average of .317. The Cardinals' approach will likely involve working the count and trying to get Ray into hitter's counts. Their success will hinge on their ability to lay off pitches outside the strike zone and capitalize on mistakes. They'll need to be particularly disciplined against Ray's fastball, as chasing that pitch can lead to quick outs.

Key to the Cardinals' success will be their ability to manufacture runs. They don't rely solely on power, but rather a combination of timely hitting and smart base running. They will be tested by Ray's ability to prevent runners from getting on base. Focusing on getting runners on base and putting pressure on the Mariners' defense is going to be paramount to their success at the plate.

Mariners' Hitting Approach

The Seattle Mariners' offense has produced a team weighted on-base average of .312 this season. The Mariners' approach will likely involve taking an aggressive approach early in the count, looking to capitalize on any mistakes Liberatore makes. They'll need to be mindful of Liberatore's ability to induce ground balls, so hitting the ball in the air will be a focus.

The Mariners have a lineup that is capable of hitting for both average and power. They'll need to balance their aggressiveness with discipline, avoiding chasing pitches out of the zone. With Liberatore's reliance on his off-speed pitches, the Mariners' hitters will need to be patient and wait for their pitch to hit.

Defensive Considerations

Defense will be a crucial factor in this game, with both teams needing to make key plays to support their pitchers. The Cardinals' defense will be tested by the Mariners' speed on the basepaths, while the Mariners' defense will need to be prepared for the Cardinals' ability to manufacture runs with smart base running.

Both teams have capable defenders at key positions, but any lapses in concentration could prove costly. Error-free baseball will be a priority for both managers.

Bullpen Outlook

The late innings could very well decide this game, making the performance of each team's bullpen critical. The Cardinals' bullpen has been solid this season, with several reliable arms capable of closing out games. Their success will depend on their ability to maintain their composure and execute their pitches under pressure.

The Mariners' bullpen is also a strength, featuring a mix of power arms and experienced veterans. They'll need to be ready to shut down the Cardinals' offense in the late innings, especially if the game is close. Command and control will be essential for both bullpens, as walks and hit batters can be particularly damaging in tight games.

Intangibles

This late-season matchup has implications for both teams, with the Mariners looking to solidify their spot and the Cardinals trying to improve their standing. The atmosphere at T-Mobile Park will be electric, with the Mariners' faithful providing a distinct home-field advantage.

Managerial decisions, such as pinch-hitting and bullpen management, could also play a significant role in the outcome of the game. Both managers will need to be prepared to make adjustments based on the flow of the game.

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