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BASEBALL

J.A. Happ To Start As New York Heads To Seattle

To begin their road trip on the west coast New York was swept by Oakland in a four game series and then it was on to Los Angeles where they took two out of three from the Dodgers.

On Monday night New York who is leading the American League East heads to Seattle to open a three game series with the Mariners who is a member of the American League West .

J.A. Happ will start the opening game for New York.

New York comes into the opener with a record of 85-47 while Seattle who is in last place in their division comes into the opener with a record of 56-75. “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/standings

As stated above,

J. A. Happ will start the opening game for New York. The left-hander comes into the game with a record of 10-8 with a 5.58 earn run average. Happ is coming off a loss to the A's in Oakland in which he allowed five runs over four innings, including two homers. He is 2-2 with a 7.78 ERA in four starts this month, having completed no more than 5 2/3 innings. The starter for Seattle however for the opening game has not been announced.

As for New York’s previous game,

New York bounced back in the finale against Los Angeles.

The entire weekend at Chavez Ravine felt like a big deal, an opportunity for the clubs owning the best records in the Majors to appreciate a shared history, their current success and just maybe -- as Judge agreed after the Yankees' 5-1 victory over the Dodgers -- a future that could see them face off again in autumn. “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/yankees-set-mlb-record-for-home-runs-in-a-month

If it lines up that way, it'd be great to see them," Judge said. "They're a great team and anything can happen in the postseason. We'd be excited for that opportunity." “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/yankees-set-mlb-record-for-home-runs-in-a-month

The Yankees' blueprint for chasing their 28th World Series championship is centered around slugging homers and locking games down with their power bullpen, a formula that they executed with aplomb to topple Clayton Kershaw and take the finale of the three-game series. “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/yankees-set-mlb-record-for-home-runs-in-a-month

"I don't think there was any question that guys were excited to come here and play against a great team," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. "I thought the guys really performed all weekend. They love these environments. It's good to see them go out and contribute in a big way." “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/yankees-set-mlb-record-for-home-runs-in-a-month

It is worth mentioning that, should these powerhouses meet in the Fall Classic for the first time since 1981, Sunday's game could carry great meaning. If the Yanks (85-47) and Dodgers (86-46) finish with identical regular season records, the Yanks' 2-1 head-to-head record would be used as the tiebreaker for home-field advantage. “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/yankees-set-mlb-record-for-home-runs-in-a-month

DJ Lemahieu pounced on the game's third pitch to set a new Major League team record for home runs in a calendar month, then Judge and Mike Ford added deep drives off Kershaw to give the club 61 in August. That surpassed the record of 58 previously shared by the Orioles (May 1987) and Mariners (May 1999) “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/yankees-set-mlb-record-for-home-runs-in-a-month

We hit homers. We've got good hitters," Boone said. "Good power hitters up and down the lineup, a lot of guys capable. We’re going to have those kinds of marks fall every now and then." “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/yankees-set-mlb-record-for-home-runs-in-a-month

It all supported a strong effort from Domingo German, who notched his Major League-leading 17th victory. Settling in after Joc Pederson's leadoff homer, German limited Los Angeles to a run and five hits over six innings, marking the Yanks’ 18th win in his 22 starts. “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/yankees-set-mlb-record-for-home-runs-in-a-month

"I calmed myself down and found a groove," German said through a translator. "I faced each hitter pitch by pitch and just slowed myself down."

Adam Ottavino, Tommy Kahnle, Zack Britton and Aroldis Chapman combined for three scoreless, hitless innings, helping New York improve to 23-0 when all four of their most-trusted relievers appear together.

"This series, they pitched us well," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “I don’t think this series changed my thought that these are two very good ballclubs, but we both have a lot of work to do if there is a potential [World Series] matchup." “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/yankees-set-mlb-record-for-home-runs-in-a-month

Judge, who had promised a fan during batting practice that he would “hit one for you tonight," followed through in the third inning by cracking another of Kershaw’s trademark curves over the wall in right-center. The slugger has now homered in three straight games and four of six on this trip. “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/yankees-set-mlb-record-for-home-runs-in-a-month

"You could feel the playoff atmosphere in the moment," Judge said. "The crowd was getting rowdy even before the first pitch. You love that as a player. That's why we play." “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/yankees-set-mlb-record-for-home-runs-in-a-month

Ford was inserted as a third-inning pinch-hitter in place of Didi Gregorius, who sustained a right shoulder contusion when he was hit by a Kershaw fastball in the first inning. X-rays were negative on Gregorius, who is listed as day to day. “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/yankees-set-mlb-record-for-home-runs-in-a-month

If it lines up that way, it'd be great to see them," Judge said. "They're a great team and anything can happen in the postseason. We'd be excited for that opportunity." “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/yankees-set-mlb-record-for-home-runs-in-a-month

The Yankees' blueprint for chasing their 28th World Series championship is centered around slugging homers and locking games down with their power bullpen, a formula that they executed with aplomb to topple Clayton Kershaw and take the finale of the three-game series.

"I don't think there was any question that guys were excited to come here and play against a great team," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. "I thought the guys really performed all weekend. They love these environments. It's good to see them go out and contribute in a big way." “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/yankees-set-mlb-record-for-home-runs-in-a-month

It is worth mentioning that, should these powerhouses meet in the Fall Classic for the first time since 1981, Sunday's game could carry great meaning. If the Yanks (85-47) and Dodgers (86-46) finish with identical regular season records, the Yanks' 2-1 head-to-head record would be used as the tiebreaker for home-field advantage. “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/yankees-set-mlb-record-for-home-runs-in-a-month

DJ LeMahieu pounced on the game's third pitch to set a new Major League team record for home runs in a calendar month, then Judge and Mike Ford added deep drives off Kershaw to give the club 61 in August. That surpassed the record of 58 previously shared by the Orioles (May 1987) and Mariners (May 1999).

Adam Ottavino, Tommy Kahnle, Zack Britton and Aroldis Chapman combined for three scoreless, hitless innings, helping New York improve to 23-0 when all four of their most-trusted relievers appear together. “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/yankees-set-mlb-record-for-home-runs-in-a-month

"This series, they pitched us well," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “I don’t think this series changed my thought that these are two very good ballclubs, but we both have a lot of work to do if there is a potential [World Series] matchup." “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/yankees-set-mlb-record-for-home-runs-in-a-month

Judge, who had promised a fan during batting practice that he would “hit one for you tonight," followed through in the third inning by cracking another of Kershaw’s trademark curves over the wall in right-center. The slugger has now homered in three straight games and four of six on this trip. “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/yankees-set-mlb-record-for-home-runs-in-a-month

"You could feel the playoff atmosphere in the moment," Judge said. "The crowd was getting rowdy even before the first pitch. You love that as a player. That's why we play." “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/yankees-set-mlb-record-for-home-runs-in-a-month

Ford was inserted as a third-inning pinch-hitter in place of Didi Gregorius, who sustained a right shoulder contusion when he was hit by a Kershaw fastball in the first inning. X-rays were negative on Gregorius, who is listed as day to day. “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/yankees-set-mlb-record-for-home-runs-in-a-month

Saying that he was "just trying to see the ball" in his first at-bat, Ford produced New York’s third big swing of the game in the sixth, slugging his sixth Major League homer over the right-field wall. The rookie then added a run-scoring double off Pedro Baez in the eighth. “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/yankees-set-mlb-record-for-home-runs-in-a-month

“Even the guys off the bench, you saw today with Mike Ford, he comes in off the bench and hits a homer off one of the best left-handed pitchers in the game,” Judge said. “That doesn't happen too often. It speaks volumes to what type of team we have.” “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/yankees-set-mlb-record-for-home-runs-in-a-month

Like New York, Seattle won their previous game as they edged Toronto who like New York is a member of the American League East.

- Marco Gonzales found the perfect way to quiet the legions of Blue Jays fans who trekked south to T-Mobile Park for the weekend, firing seven innings of one-run ball, as the Mariners eked out a 3-1 victory on Sunday afternoon. “according to https://www.mlb.com/mariners/news/marco-gonzales-earns-career-high-14th-win

Gonzales set a career high for wins while improving to 14-10 with a 4.17 ERA after he gave up just three hits, with two walks and five strikeouts in a strong 99-pitch performance. “according to https://www.mlb.com/mariners/news/marco-gonzales-earns-career-high-14th-win

The former Gonzaga standout had some caustic comments last year about the invading Blue Jays fans taking over Seattle’s home ballpark, but he let his pitching do the talking this time. “according to https://www.mlb.com/mariners/news/marco-gonzales-earns-career-high-14th-win

“It didn’t matter who was in the stands,” Gonzales said. “I had a lot of family here. My wife and our extended family. My brother flew in. So, to me, it didn’t matter who was in the stands this weekend. It could have been empty, for all I care. I wanted to put on a show for them and do them proud.” “according to https://www.mlb.com/mariners/news/marco-gonzales-earns-career-high-14th-win

The Mariners only managed four hits, but they made the most of them, as they won a game without leaving a runner on base for just the fourth time in franchise history. Seattle has had only 11 games when it has left no one on base, the last coming in 2012 when the White Sox’s Philip Humber threw a perfect game against the Mariners. The last time they won a game without stranding a runner was in '05. “according to https://www.mlb.com/mariners/news/marco-gonzales-earns-career-high-14th-win

The Mariners got a solo home run from Dylan Moore and an RBI double from Kyle Seager, who was then doubled off second base. Seattle also pushed across an insurance run in the seventh on an infield single by Austin Nola, who took second on a throwing error on reliever Jason Adam, moved to third on a balk and raced home on a sacrifice fly to shallow left by Omar Narvaez. “according to https://www.mlb.com/mariners/news/marco-gonzales-earns-career-high-14th-win

While the Mariners are 56-75 on the season, they’ve won six of their past eight and have been playing better baseball of late. Here are three things to like from Sunday’s series-clinching win: “according to https://www.mlb.com/mariners/news/marco-gonzales-earns-career-high-14th-win

1) Finding that extra gear
Gonzales was sharp from the start, zipping through Toronto's aggressive young lineup. But the 27-year-old lefty had to bear down in the fifth after giving up a leadoff walk to Derek Fisher, then letting the Blue Jays left fielder hustle to third base when trying to pick Fisher off with a snap throw that got past Nola at first. “according to https://www.mlb.com/mariners/news/marco-gonzales-earns-career-high-14th-win

But Gonzales stranded Fisher there, getting Teoscar Hernandez to pop to short, then striking out Brandon Drury and inducing a groundout to Nola from Reese McGuire. “according to https://www.mlb.com/mariners/news/marco-gonzales-earns-career-high-14th-win

“That was huge, especially putting myself in that hole,” Gonzales said. “Looking around, I had no one else to blame but myself. I knew after that, if I can get out of something like that, it’s huge, and we’ve got a lot of momentum going forward.” “according to https://www.mlb.com/mariners/news/marco-gonzales-earns-career-high-14th-win

Gonzales nearly did it again in the sixth when he gave up a leadoff double to rookie standout Bo Bichette, getting two outs before Rowdy Tellez pushed a grounder through the left side against the shift to score Toronto's lone run. “according to https://www.mlb.com/mariners/news/marco-gonzales-earns-career-high-14th-win

Gonzales has been a beast at T-Mobile Park of late, where he’s now 5-0 with a 2.14 ERA over his past six starts, while allowing just one home run. “according to https://www.mlb.com/mariners/news/marco-gonzales-earns-career-high-14th-win

How important has Gonzales been for the Mariners? In games he’s started, Seattle is 15-13, compared to 41-62 with all other starters. “according to https://www.mlb.com/mariners/news/marco-gonzales-earns-career-high-14th-win

2) Stayin’ sharp on the bench
Moore hadn’t gotten an at-bat in a week, dating back to his last start last Sunday in Toronto. But the rookie utility man didn’t let that slow him any, as he ripped a 419-foot homer to left field in the second inning off Clay Buchholz to give Seattle a 1-0 lead. “according to https://www.mlb.com/mariners/news/marco-gonzales-earns-career-high-14th-win

Dealing with the sporadic playing time of a utility role is a challenge for any player, particularly one in his first year in the Majors. “according to https://www.mlb.com/mariners/news/marco-gonzales-earns-career-high-14th-win

“You just have to put the work in while you’re not in there and be ready when your time comes,” said the 27-year-old.”according to https://www.mlb.com/mariners/news/marco-gonzales-earns-career-high-14th-win

Moore has played well defensively at all the infield positions, and he got the call on Sunday in left field, where he’s also filled in well despite losing playing time of late to fellow rookie Tim Lopes. “according to https://www.mlb.com/mariners/news/marco-gonzales-earns-career-high-14th-win

Moore made a game-saving catch in the eighth, as he needed a late dive to haul in a floater to left by Tellez to get reliever Sam Tuivailala out of a second-and-third, two-out jam with Seattle clinging to a 3-1 lead. “according to https://www.mlb.com/mariners/news/marco-gonzales-earns-career-high-14th-win

“I give Dylan a ton of credit,” Mariners manager Scott Servais said. “It seems like every day we put him out there, he does something. It’s a defensive play, a big hit.””according to https://www.mlb.com/mariners/news/marco-gonzales-earns-career-high-14th-win

3) Seager not slowing down
The Mariners’ third baseman has been on a tear for the past month, and his RBI double in the fourth stood up as the deciding blow on a sunny day game where hits were hard to come by.”according to https://www.mlb.com/mariners/news/marco-gonzales-earns-career-high-14th-win

Minus Edwin Encarnacion, Jay Bruce and Mitch Haniger, Seager has stepped up and carried Seattle's offense of late. It’s been a remarkable turnaround, given that the 31-year-old was batting .186 on July 21 after missing the first two months after undergoing surgery on his left hand and then getting off to a horrendous start. “according to https://www.mlb.com/mariners/news/marco-gonzales-earns-career-high-14th-win

But in his ensuing 29 games, Seager has hit .358 with 11 homers and 39 RBIs, and he has hiked his season average up to .252, just shy of his career average of .257. “according to https://www.mlb.com/mariners/news/marco-gonzales-earns-career-high-14th-win

“It’s been tremendous,” Servais said. “He’s been very consistent. He’s on the fastball, makes adjustments, is seeing the offspeed pitches very well. I hope he continues to finish out the season this way, because it’s a lot of fun to watch.” “according to https://www.mlb.com/mariners/news/marco-gonzales-earns-career-high-14th-win

First pitch is set for 10:10pm from Safeco Field. The game will be televised on ESPN, ROOTW and Yes.