Diamondbacks vs Mariners Preview: Big One on Sunday

Seattle got the upper hand in yesterday's instant classic. The Mariners took game one in 10 innings when Salvador Arozarena doubled down the line and Crawford came home with the winning run. That 6-7 victory came down to late-game drama. The Diamondbacks fought back hard after falling behind early. Crawford went absolutely nuclear, smashing three home runs and driving in multiple runs. Arizona's bats kept them in the fight. Now they're back for game two. Seattle's sitting at 29-29. Arizona's at 31-25. Both teams hungry. Both teams ready to win.

Merrill Kelly is Arizona's ace today. He's one of the team's two best starters, anchoring the rotation alongside Zac Gallen. The Diamondbacks need Kelly to be sharp. Their bullpen has questions about ninth-inning reliability. Kevin Ginkel will handle closer duties, but the back end of the relief group is still finding its way. Arizona's pitching staff has talent and recognizable names. Health is the big wildcard. If the pitchers stay healthy, this staff can keep games tight. That's Arizona's formula for winning. Pitching wins championships.

Seattle brings different firepower today. The Mariners own one of baseball's deepest rotations. Logan Gilbert and Luis Castillo anchor the staff beautifully. Behind them sits George Kirby, Bryce Miller, and Bryan Woo. That's five weapons, top to bottom. No weak link. Andrés Muñoz closes games for Seattle with a lethal 1.73 ERA from last season. He saved 38 games. Seattle's pitching is consistent and reliable every single night. Arizona's pitchers need to match that intensity. The Mariners are hot too — they've won four straight. This matchup is pitching versus pitching.