MLB’s baseball weekend

May 30, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera (24) rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run against the Seattle Mariners during the third inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Seattle Mariners (65-55) at Detroit Tigers (65-54)

Why series is important for Seattle: the Mariners sit a mere half game behind the Tigers for the #2 AL Wild Card spot. There’s not a chance the Mariners will take their division because the two teams ahead of them own the AL’s #1 and #2 records. The Wild Card will be Seattle’s only shot at the postseason. That is certainly attainable.

Why the series important for Detroit: Conversely for the Mariners, the Tigers hold that slim half game lead over the M’s as the AL’s #2 Wild Card. Also, Detroit sits the same margin behind Kansas City for the AL Central’s top spot. There’s not a need to fret.

Pitching matchups:

Fri: James Paxton (2-0, 2.38) v Rick Porcello (13-7, 3.11)
Sat: Felix Hernandez (13-3, 1.95) v David Price (11-8, 3.21)
Sun: Chris Young (11-6, 3.20) v Robbie Ray (1-2, 5.31)

This has the potential to be the best series of the weekend if for any other reason, the second game. All you can say about that pitching matchup is “wow”. Just wow. If there’s any baseball fan that wouldn’t go to see that duel, I’d question if you were actually a baseball fan.