Mariners name Game 5 ALDS starting pitcher to oppose Tarik Skubal

The Seattle Mariners have a plan.

To beat Tarik Skubal, they have to get it right.

For Game 5 of the ALDS, which will be played Friday night, the Mariners are sending George Kirby to the mound.

The 27-year old, 6-foot-4 right-handed pitcher will be the man to oppose the best pitcher in the American League, Skubal.

Kirby is completing his fourth season in the major leagues. 

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His regular season, by ERA (4.21), was his worst in the majors. But he also put up his best strikeout rate, so there's a mixed bag when you put all his numbers together.

The reality is that Kirby has excellent command and almost never walks batters. He's going to make the opposing lineup legitimately beat him.

Kirby did start Game 1 against the Tigers on Oct. 4. That night, the Mariners lost in 11 innings.

The righty did what he could in that game, going five innings, allowing six hits and two runs, and striking out eight.

The Mariners will certainly have all hands on deck in Game 5. A loss ends the Mariners' season, so Kirby won't have a long leash.

They actually have some intriguing pitching depth, especially if any starting pitchers are available to come out of the bullpen, too.

But it'll be Kirby getting the ball first. He'll have to set the tone and not let Skubal get too much attention.

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