OVER mariners ? The A?s are well known for their weakness at the plate right now as they?ve been mired in a miserable slump. Also, the Mariners have gone cold after enjoying a pretty decent run at the plate! That said, why are we on the over here? It?s really quite simple! There are two key factors here. One is that this is a meaningless game between the two AL West ?cellar dwellers? which means that there will be some relaxed sticks at the plate for both clubs tonight. Also, the pitching match-up dictates that there should be plenty of offensive opportunities for both teams this evening in Seattle. Note that Greg Smith of the A?s is just 5-12 this season and he?s allowed four earned runs or more in five of his last nine starts. In his last 8 starts he?s walked 27 while striking out just 21. The Mariners lineup also holds a couple of edges here because they have hit lefties well and they?ve also hit well at home in recent homestands. Look for more of the same tonight. The trouble for Seattle will be their own pitching situation as Ryan Rowland-Smith gets the start for the Mariners. He has mostly been used out of the bullpen this season and, recently, he?s been getting roughed up whether starting or coming out of the pen. Indeed, Rowland-Smith has struggled in six of his last seven outings and this includes a poor outing against the A?s. Watch the bats for these two floundering clubs come to life tonight. OVER in Seattle is the play Thursday night!