Bam! Bam! Bam! The Mariners romped the Padres with hit after hit scoring the most runs since the 2002 season. The offensive onslaught was led by Mike Sweeney, who less than a week ago, had 3 consecutive games home runs, smacked 2 in this game and and drove in 6 runs. He raised his batting average 50 points in one game! Also homering was Josh Bard, his first for the M's, Milton Bradley went 3-5 and Josh Wilson went 2-5 with 3 rbis. The only Mariners started without a hit was Jose Lopez.
On the flip side, Cliff Lee is the new owner of a not so complementing Mariners pitching record. He became the first Mariner to give up 8 runs, but still get a win. It was ugly for Lee, but also nice to get the kind of run support to be able to pitch confidently. Besides, Padres starter Wade LeBlanc also gave up 8 runs, and Padres reliever Cesar Ramos gave up 7.
PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Sweeney, who was playing like he was back in the Cactus League. Hopefully, he continues to be productive offensively and hold the DH spot for good reason.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Game 41 Summary: MARINERS 4, BLUE JAYS 3
It was pretty dire, with the M's down 3-1 in the bottom of the ninth, but after so many letdowns, a little Mariner magic was due. It started with Sweeney walking, Lopez walking, Bradley wakling, and then Kotchman walking in Michael Saunders, (who pitch ran for Sweeney). Then, new addition Josh Bard hit a long flyball to left in order to score Lopez.
With the game tied, it came down to Junior, the Mariner who has been under the most scrutiny as of late. Pinch hitting for Josh Wilson, Junior laced a single into Rightfield that brought Bradley around to score the game winner.
Pitching wise, Vargas was sold through 6 & 2/3, getting another quality start while allowing only 3 runs, 5 hits, and 2 walks. From there, Kaneoka Texeira and Shawn Kelley were solid, Kelley picking up the win.
This game was historic for Don Wakamatsu for two reasons: #1. It was his 100th win as the manager of the Mariners, his overall record being 100-103 (.492). #2. After arguing a play in which Ichiro was caught stealing, Wakamatsu was ejected from a game for the first time. Many specualte he did it to stir up the team, ala Lou Piniella.
PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Both Bard and Griffey deserve this, as Griffey reinstated his hold on the title of greatest Mariner ever and Bard not only kept it alive with his sac fly, but also had a couple hits as well. I hope Bard entrenches himself as the starting catcher as his bat and ability to block bounced pitches has been far superior to Johnson and Moore.
With the game tied, it came down to Junior, the Mariner who has been under the most scrutiny as of late. Pinch hitting for Josh Wilson, Junior laced a single into Rightfield that brought Bradley around to score the game winner.
Pitching wise, Vargas was sold through 6 & 2/3, getting another quality start while allowing only 3 runs, 5 hits, and 2 walks. From there, Kaneoka Texeira and Shawn Kelley were solid, Kelley picking up the win.
This game was historic for Don Wakamatsu for two reasons: #1. It was his 100th win as the manager of the Mariners, his overall record being 100-103 (.492). #2. After arguing a play in which Ichiro was caught stealing, Wakamatsu was ejected from a game for the first time. Many specualte he did it to stir up the team, ala Lou Piniella.
PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Both Bard and Griffey deserve this, as Griffey reinstated his hold on the title of greatest Mariner ever and Bard not only kept it alive with his sac fly, but also had a couple hits as well. I hope Bard entrenches himself as the starting catcher as his bat and ability to block bounced pitches has been far superior to Johnson and Moore.
Game 40 Summary: BLUE JAYS 3, MARINERS 2
And so, we follow a good offensive/mediocre pitching game with an excellent pitching/crippled offensive one. Until the 7th, the Mariners were unable to put anything on the board. They threatened in the bottom of the 9th, but it ended with Mike Sweeney hitting a long fly out to Fred Lewis.
It was a waste for Doug Fister who had another 8 inning outing that ended without him able to get a win. He gave up only 3 runs, 5 hits and a walk while striking out 5. This guy remains in the leader boards in ERA and WHIP, but he can't always hold the opposing team to less than 3 runs. That's a bit much to expect of him.
PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Fister of course. In addition to a low ERA and WHIP, he's also only allowed 1 homer in 55 innings pitched, the least among American League pitchers with at least 42 innings under their belt.
It was a waste for Doug Fister who had another 8 inning outing that ended without him able to get a win. He gave up only 3 runs, 5 hits and a walk while striking out 5. This guy remains in the leader boards in ERA and WHIP, but he can't always hold the opposing team to less than 3 runs. That's a bit much to expect of him.
PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Fister of course. In addition to a low ERA and WHIP, he's also only allowed 1 homer in 55 innings pitched, the least among American League pitchers with at least 42 innings under their belt.
Game 39 Summary: ATHLETICS 6, MARINERS 5
So, it becomes a two game sweep in Oakland. Felix battled his way through 6 innings, giving up 11 hits, but left with the lead. From there it was up to the bullpen, but unfortunately, the over used Brandon League could not get out of the 10th and gave up a game winning single to Kurt Suzuki.
Offensively, the M's were there with 10 hits and 5 runs, a better total than what we've seen as of late. Rob Johnson crushed his second homer of the season of Ben Sheets, the guy who he hit his first one off. Kotchman had two hits and two rbis, Figgins had a couple of hits and over all it wasn't bad.
I think we lost one because this amount of offense comes after a long stretch of nearly punchless games and we taxed our bullpen, leaving them once again in a tight situation. If the offense could produce like this and the bullpen can get enough rest so they can hold the opponents to less runs. This is a big duh, I know.
PLAYER OF THE GAME:
I'll give this to Kotchman in the hopes that it helps him get closer to climbing over the Mendoza line.
Offensively, the M's were there with 10 hits and 5 runs, a better total than what we've seen as of late. Rob Johnson crushed his second homer of the season of Ben Sheets, the guy who he hit his first one off. Kotchman had two hits and two rbis, Figgins had a couple of hits and over all it wasn't bad.
I think we lost one because this amount of offense comes after a long stretch of nearly punchless games and we taxed our bullpen, leaving them once again in a tight situation. If the offense could produce like this and the bullpen can get enough rest so they can hold the opponents to less runs. This is a big duh, I know.
PLAYER OF THE GAME:
I'll give this to Kotchman in the hopes that it helps him get closer to climbing over the Mendoza line.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Game 38 Summary: ATHLETICS 8, MARINERS 4
Into Oakland and headfirst into another loss. That's 7 out of the last 10 and 4 losses for Ryan Rowland-Smith, who only lasted 2 2/3 innings while giving up 7 runs and 10 hits. The bullpen held it from there, but the damage was unfixable.
Matt Tuiasosopo hit his first homer of the season and Jose Lopez picked up 3 rbis, and had Fister or Vargas or Lee been pitching, this might have been enough, but the boys fell.
We're now 14-24, last in the AL WEST, 2nd Worst record in the American League, and 3rd worst in baseball.
Things are pretty bleak...
But, there is still hope. There are still 124 games left in the season and while we may be 6.5 games out of first in the AL West, we're are in the most winnable division in all of baseball. Only the Rangers have a winning record and a nice streak could easily throw things into upheaval.
Don't give up on the boys just yet!
Matt Tuiasosopo hit his first homer of the season and Jose Lopez picked up 3 rbis, and had Fister or Vargas or Lee been pitching, this might have been enough, but the boys fell.
We're now 14-24, last in the AL WEST, 2nd Worst record in the American League, and 3rd worst in baseball.
Things are pretty bleak...
But, there is still hope. There are still 124 games left in the season and while we may be 6.5 games out of first in the AL West, we're are in the most winnable division in all of baseball. Only the Rangers have a winning record and a nice streak could easily throw things into upheaval.
Don't give up on the boys just yet!
Game 37 Summary: DEVIL RAYS 2, MARINERS 1
Well, Cliff Lee struck out 10, gave up only 2 runs, 1 walk, and 5 hits, and pitched a complete game. Still, Lee picked up his second loss of the season. It is so damn wasteful to get a start like this out of Lee and not get the win.
The M's only managed 6 hits, with Michael Saunders driving in the only run for the M's. JoshBard started at catcher, as Adam Moore has been place on the disabled list.
PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Cliff Lee. Unfortunately, we may lose him in Jack Z's search for a bat. So goddamn wasteful.
The M's only managed 6 hits, with Michael Saunders driving in the only run for the M's. JoshBard started at catcher, as Adam Moore has been place on the disabled list.
PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Cliff Lee. Unfortunately, we may lose him in Jack Z's search for a bat. So goddamn wasteful.
Game 36 Summary: DEVIL RAYS 3, MARINERS 2
Again a Sweeney homer, his 3rd in 3 games. Again, Jason Vargas throws 7 stellar innings and only gives up a couple of runs. Again, the offense comes up short and the bullpen is only to reel it in.
Game 35 Summary: MARINERS 4, DEVIL RAYS 3
Again with the home runs. Mike Sweeney blasted his 3rd home run in 3 consecutive games while Franklin Gutierrez wrung up his team leading 4th and Adam Moore got his 1st of the season. Again, the M's were set up in the 8th with a 4-1 lead.
The pitching of Doug Fister and Kaneoka Texeira combined for 7 innings of 1 run ball, but there was anxiety again in the bottom of the 8th. Shawn Kelley gave up a 2 run jack to Evan Longoria. It looked as if it could go the same as the last game. Luckily, Aardsma threw a perfect 9th and picked up his 9th save. A good start to the series in Tampa Bay.
PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Mike Sweeney. After a slow offensive start, he's starting to homer like crazy.
The pitching of Doug Fister and Kaneoka Texeira combined for 7 innings of 1 run ball, but there was anxiety again in the bottom of the 8th. Shawn Kelley gave up a 2 run jack to Evan Longoria. It looked as if it could go the same as the last game. Luckily, Aardsma threw a perfect 9th and picked up his 9th save. A good start to the series in Tampa Bay.
PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Mike Sweeney. After a slow offensive start, he's starting to homer like crazy.
Game 34 Summary: ORIOLES 6, MARINERS 5
It was another day of great hitting, with M's smacking 3 home runs. Mike Sweeney hit his 2nd homer of the season, Michael Saunders tied off his 2nd, and Ichiro hit his 1st. Going into the 8th inning it looked like this thing was in the bag.
Felix Hernandez bounced back from his previous start, going 7 innings while striking out 7, walking 2, and only giving up 1 run. It appears the King found his stuff and hopefully can keep up the pace.
Because then Baltimore turned a 5-1 deficit into a 6-5 with a couple of homers, one being a grand slam, in the 8th. It was Brandon League's worst inning of relief, and it led to his third loss of the season.
PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Felix Hernandez. He should have gotten a win with this performance and the run support given him.
Felix Hernandez bounced back from his previous start, going 7 innings while striking out 7, walking 2, and only giving up 1 run. It appears the King found his stuff and hopefully can keep up the pace.
Because then Baltimore turned a 5-1 deficit into a 6-5 with a couple of homers, one being a grand slam, in the 8th. It was Brandon League's worst inning of relief, and it led to his third loss of the season.
PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Felix Hernandez. He should have gotten a win with this performance and the run support given him.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Let's Get It Going!
Well, a lot of conflict, a lot of controversy.
-The biggest story involves Ken Griffey Jr. and whether or not he was asleep when Wakamatsu could have used for a pinch hitting situation. Apparently, two unnamed Mariners players dropped this story to reporter Larry LaRue, who put it out there. A player meeting was held where Mike Sweeney challenged the guilty parties to step forward, and Cliff Lee refused to speak to reporters after yesterday's game until LaRue left.
This story is stupid, because unless the damn thing dies, it's only going to distract the M's from winning ball games. As a Mariner's fan that's all I really care about and I hope the boys forget this bullshit and move on to winning.
- Milton Bradley is not currently with the team. Last week, he was pulled from a game and after striking out for the second time when he felt Wakamatsu did not argue the call strongly enough. Bradley then left the game before it finished.
However, he was back the next day and had a meeting with Wakamatsu and Zduriencik where he asked for their help and support with some personal issues he was dealing with. He was moved to the restricted list, where he may remain for a few more games, as he deals with his issues. Hopefully, he will be back soon as he was starting to make a turn around at the plate.
Of course, many fans and followers of former Bradley teams are sure to believe this is the point they saw coming and they'd be so wise on the situation, but if they were from Chicago, I'd point out that they aren't doing much better (15-20) then we are (13-20). I'd also point out that Carlos Silva's ERA is rising, he's started to walk batters, and if the Chicago offense doesn't keep up, we'll see who has the last laugh.
Of course, the biggest issue right now is the offense. Everyone is looking for someone to blame, but this has been a time effort, sans Ichiro and Franklin Gutierrez. Sure, Griffey and Sweeney haven't been very productive as the DHs, but no Mariner's regular is hitting over .250, (Jack Wilson was, but then went on the DL).
Saunders has started his latest big league stint well, and if he continues to do this well when Bradley returns, maybe he stays, Bradley DHs more, and Griffey/Sweeney are phased out. Maybe Jack Wilson goes back and forth from the DL, and Josh Wilson holds down the shortstop position, but continues to hit. At this point, I'm for giving anyone a chance. After all, its still only May and we are only 5.5 games back.
-The biggest story involves Ken Griffey Jr. and whether or not he was asleep when Wakamatsu could have used for a pinch hitting situation. Apparently, two unnamed Mariners players dropped this story to reporter Larry LaRue, who put it out there. A player meeting was held where Mike Sweeney challenged the guilty parties to step forward, and Cliff Lee refused to speak to reporters after yesterday's game until LaRue left.
This story is stupid, because unless the damn thing dies, it's only going to distract the M's from winning ball games. As a Mariner's fan that's all I really care about and I hope the boys forget this bullshit and move on to winning.
- Milton Bradley is not currently with the team. Last week, he was pulled from a game and after striking out for the second time when he felt Wakamatsu did not argue the call strongly enough. Bradley then left the game before it finished.
However, he was back the next day and had a meeting with Wakamatsu and Zduriencik where he asked for their help and support with some personal issues he was dealing with. He was moved to the restricted list, where he may remain for a few more games, as he deals with his issues. Hopefully, he will be back soon as he was starting to make a turn around at the plate.
Of course, many fans and followers of former Bradley teams are sure to believe this is the point they saw coming and they'd be so wise on the situation, but if they were from Chicago, I'd point out that they aren't doing much better (15-20) then we are (13-20). I'd also point out that Carlos Silva's ERA is rising, he's started to walk batters, and if the Chicago offense doesn't keep up, we'll see who has the last laugh.
Of course, the biggest issue right now is the offense. Everyone is looking for someone to blame, but this has been a time effort, sans Ichiro and Franklin Gutierrez. Sure, Griffey and Sweeney haven't been very productive as the DHs, but no Mariner's regular is hitting over .250, (Jack Wilson was, but then went on the DL).
Saunders has started his latest big league stint well, and if he continues to do this well when Bradley returns, maybe he stays, Bradley DHs more, and Griffey/Sweeney are phased out. Maybe Jack Wilson goes back and forth from the DL, and Josh Wilson holds down the shortstop position, but continues to hit. At this point, I'm for giving anyone a chance. After all, its still only May and we are only 5.5 games back.
Game 33 Summary: ORIOLES 5, MARINERS 2
Ryan Rowland-Smith's troubles continue. This time around he only lasted 3 innings, getting the axe when he gave up a solo shot to Luke Scott to start the 4th inning. Ian Snell took over for 3 innings and gave up a couple more while Brad Bergesen went 7 2/3 innings and only gave up 1 run. It's time to start hoping Bedard has a speedy recover.
Ichiro and Langerhans each had a couple of hits, and Ichiro swiped his 10th base of the year. Griffey pinch hit for Adam Moore in the 9th and brought in his 6th RBI of the year.
PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Ichi was up to his usual tricks and without Gutierrez in the lineup, he was the only reliable piece.
Ichiro and Langerhans each had a couple of hits, and Ichiro swiped his 10th base of the year. Griffey pinch hit for Adam Moore in the 9th and brought in his 6th RBI of the year.
PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Ichi was up to his usual tricks and without Gutierrez in the lineup, he was the only reliable piece.
Game 32 Summary: MARINERS 5, ORIOLES 1
Cliff Lee has his first 1 as Mariner to start the Mariner's road trip a lot better than the last homestead. He gave up 1 run over 7 & 1/3 innings with no walks. Brandon League than relieved Lee and picked up his first save of the season.
Meanwhile, Ryan Langerhans hit his first homer of the year. Josh Wilson went 2 for 3, and while his fielding hasn't been stellar, he's now hitting .353 since being called up from Triple-A and is at least adding something to this pitiful offense. Ichiro, Rob Johnson, and Michael Saunders also had a couple of hits, and Saunders is off to a 5 for 10 start since taking over for Bradley and Byrners. I have not been a big fan of Saunders, but I would love for nothing more than him to prove me wrong. Ditto for Langerhans.
PLAYER OF THE GAME:
It's great to have Lee, because even if the offense can't get it together, he can set them down with the best of them.
Meanwhile, Ryan Langerhans hit his first homer of the year. Josh Wilson went 2 for 3, and while his fielding hasn't been stellar, he's now hitting .353 since being called up from Triple-A and is at least adding something to this pitiful offense. Ichiro, Rob Johnson, and Michael Saunders also had a couple of hits, and Saunders is off to a 5 for 10 start since taking over for Bradley and Byrners. I have not been a big fan of Saunders, but I would love for nothing more than him to prove me wrong. Ditto for Langerhans.
PLAYER OF THE GAME:
It's great to have Lee, because even if the offense can't get it together, he can set them down with the best of them.
Game 31 Summary: MARINERS 8, ANGELS 1
The M's fired hitting coach Alan Cockrell today. They also trounced the Angels to end a horrendous homestead (1-8). Funny how that works....
Jason Vargas pitched 7 1/3 innings giving up 0 runs, 2 walks, and 4 hits while striking out 4. He picked up his 3rd win of the season and brought his ERA down to an even 3.00.
Josh Wilson and Michael Saunders each hit their first homers of the year, Saunders' being his first in the majors. Wilson also hit his first triple, Ichiro went 3 for 5 with 3 stolen bases, Gutierrez got 2 more RBIS, and even Adam Moore added a hit.
PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Vargas. He's pitching as well as Washburn was last year and has cemented himself a rotation spot for when Bedard returns.
Jason Vargas pitched 7 1/3 innings giving up 0 runs, 2 walks, and 4 hits while striking out 4. He picked up his 3rd win of the season and brought his ERA down to an even 3.00.
Josh Wilson and Michael Saunders each hit their first homers of the year, Saunders' being his first in the majors. Wilson also hit his first triple, Ichiro went 3 for 5 with 3 stolen bases, Gutierrez got 2 more RBIS, and even Adam Moore added a hit.
PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Vargas. He's pitching as well as Washburn was last year and has cemented himself a rotation spot for when Bedard returns.
Game 30 Summary: ANGELS 4, MARINERS 3
It was Fister on the mound and while he didn't come away with the win, he had another solid outing of 8 innings, giving up 3 earned runs, 8 hits and 1 walk. Unfortunately, Aardsma gave up a go ahead RBI single to Hideki Matsui in the 10th and the Mariners fell for the 8th straight game.
The Mariners only managed 6 hits, but they did draw 8 walks. Ichiro led the attack with a couple of hits, one for a triple, and a couple of RBIs. Once again though, it just wasn't enough to give Fister another W.
PLAYER OF THE GAME:
This goes to Fister. In what was the worst outing since his first start of the year, Fister still pitched magnificently and remains among the league's top starters. He's been one of the few nice surprises of the year.
The Mariners only managed 6 hits, but they did draw 8 walks. Ichiro led the attack with a couple of hits, one for a triple, and a couple of RBIs. Once again though, it just wasn't enough to give Fister another W.
PLAYER OF THE GAME:
This goes to Fister. In what was the worst outing since his first start of the year, Fister still pitched magnificently and remains among the league's top starters. He's been one of the few nice surprises of the year.
Game 29 Summary: ANGELS 8, MARINERS 0
Then, the Angels came into to a start the series with their own 8-0 butchering of the M's. Stop the pain! The M's only managed 2 hits in this affair, damn near giving Jeff Weaver a no hitter.
Felix started the game and had his worst outing of the year, giving up 7 of the runs, walking 4 and only lasting 3 1/3 innings. Though the bullpen shut it down from there, the M's answered the Angels with a whole lot of nothing. The M's only managed 2 hits in this affair, damn near giving Jeff Weaver a no hitter.
Josh Wilson also managed to commit his 2nd error in as many games.
PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Only bright spot was the bullpen , (specifically Jesus Colome, Brandon League, and Kaneoka Texiera), who collectively gave up only 3 walks and no hits for 5 2/3 innings.
Felix started the game and had his worst outing of the year, giving up 7 of the runs, walking 4 and only lasting 3 1/3 innings. Though the bullpen shut it down from there, the M's answered the Angels with a whole lot of nothing. The M's only managed 2 hits in this affair, damn near giving Jeff Weaver a no hitter.
Josh Wilson also managed to commit his 2nd error in as many games.
PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Only bright spot was the bullpen , (specifically Jesus Colome, Brandon League, and Kaneoka Texiera), who collectively gave up only 3 walks and no hits for 5 2/3 innings.
Game 28 Summary: DEVIL RAYS 8, MARINERS 0
And thus, the Rays leave town with road trip sweep of the Mariners that ends with an 8-0 slaughter. 4 hits... 6 earned runs given up by Ryan Rowland-Smith... No extra base hits... Just ugly...
Game 27 Summary: DEVIL RAYS 8, MARINERS 3
Cliff Lee came in for his second start, and had a solid outing despite giving up 10 hits. Going into the 5th, the M's had a 2-0 lead. Then, the Devil Rays tied it in the top of the 5th. Then they added 3 runs in the 8th and 3 more in the 9th. The M's only added 1 more.
Lee did not walk anyone and his ERA only rose to 2.40, but he was out dueled by Matt Garza. Sean White gave up three of the runs, and again most of the offense came from Franklin Gutierrez, who hit his 3rd homer and got his 15th & 16th RBIs of the season.
PLAYER OF THE GAME:
While Lee was solid until the 8th, it was another great offensive showing from Gutierrez in a lineup of constant non-production.
Lee did not walk anyone and his ERA only rose to 2.40, but he was out dueled by Matt Garza. Sean White gave up three of the runs, and again most of the offense came from Franklin Gutierrez, who hit his 3rd homer and got his 15th & 16th RBIs of the season.
PLAYER OF THE GAME:
While Lee was solid until the 8th, it was another great offensive showing from Gutierrez in a lineup of constant non-production.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Bye Bye Byrnesy
After blowing a sac bunt on Friday and then rushing out of the clubhouse without saying a word to anyone, Eric Byrnes was released by the Mariners. He was signed for the league minimum with the Diamondbacks left footing the bill of a contract that Byrnes had been released from prior to the season, so obviously Byrnes needed to prove himself to keep a job. But you add the failed suicide squeeze attempt with only 3 hits in 32 at bats in 15 games and its no surprise that Byrnes was sent packing on his 10 speed.
Matt Tuiasosopo was also moved from the big league roster and sent down to Tacoma. In 11 games, Tuiasosopo was 4 for 22 with 10 strike outs, so his time on the big league roster is done for now.
Replacing the Byrned-out Byrnes and Tui will be reserve outfielder Ryan Langerhans and reserve infielder Josh Wilson. While Wilson and Langerhans aren't great offensive threats, it only seems fair to give them a chance. Wilson batted .250 with 3 homers in 45 games for the Mariners last year while taking over shortstop duties once Jack Wilson went down, and Langerhans batted .218 in 38 games while playing above average defense.
Both Langerhans and Wilson were batting above .300 in Tacoma, and here's hoping that they can add a bit more than Byrnes and Tui were.
Matt Tuiasosopo was also moved from the big league roster and sent down to Tacoma. In 11 games, Tuiasosopo was 4 for 22 with 10 strike outs, so his time on the big league roster is done for now.
Replacing the Byrned-out Byrnes and Tui will be reserve outfielder Ryan Langerhans and reserve infielder Josh Wilson. While Wilson and Langerhans aren't great offensive threats, it only seems fair to give them a chance. Wilson batted .250 with 3 homers in 45 games for the Mariners last year while taking over shortstop duties once Jack Wilson went down, and Langerhans batted .218 in 38 games while playing above average defense.
Both Langerhans and Wilson were batting above .300 in Tacoma, and here's hoping that they can add a bit more than Byrnes and Tui were.
Game 26 Summary: DEVIL RAYS 5, MARINERS 2
Yet again, the Mariners had a starting pitcher turn in another quality start with Jason Vargas turning in 6 and 2/3rd innings while giving up 3 runs, walking 3, and striking out 8. Sure, Vargas didn't turn in the greatest outing of the season, but he managed to lower his WHIP to 1.04 and still has a respectable ERA of 3.69.
However, James Shields mastered the M's lineup by only giving up 2 runs and fanning 10. The M's scattered 8 hits, with Jack Wilson scoring on a wild pitch and Gutierrez on a Griffey ground out. Wilson was the only Mariner to get an extra base hit, and Ichiro and Gutierrez were the only M's to have more than one hit.
Meanwhile, the high caliber defense of Chone Figgins and Jack Wilson suffered with Figgins booting a ball and Wilson committing 3 errors. Nothing else to say but depressing.
If baseball was decided on pitching alone, The M's would be atop the West Division as they are second in the AL in Team ERA (3.25), and third in the AL in Team WHIP (1.26), due to having given up only the 2nd fewest walks (78), and 3rd fewest hits (205).
However, the offense is terrible: 13th in batting average (.236), 13th in on base (.311), last in slugging percentage (.330), last in homers (9), and tied for last in runs scored (86). You take Ichiro and Gutierrez out of the equation and the offense damn near doesn't exist. Let's hope Z is gonna do something, or some of these guys get their bats off their shoulders.
However, James Shields mastered the M's lineup by only giving up 2 runs and fanning 10. The M's scattered 8 hits, with Jack Wilson scoring on a wild pitch and Gutierrez on a Griffey ground out. Wilson was the only Mariner to get an extra base hit, and Ichiro and Gutierrez were the only M's to have more than one hit.
Meanwhile, the high caliber defense of Chone Figgins and Jack Wilson suffered with Figgins booting a ball and Wilson committing 3 errors. Nothing else to say but depressing.
If baseball was decided on pitching alone, The M's would be atop the West Division as they are second in the AL in Team ERA (3.25), and third in the AL in Team WHIP (1.26), due to having given up only the 2nd fewest walks (78), and 3rd fewest hits (205).
However, the offense is terrible: 13th in batting average (.236), 13th in on base (.311), last in slugging percentage (.330), last in homers (9), and tied for last in runs scored (86). You take Ichiro and Gutierrez out of the equation and the offense damn near doesn't exist. Let's hope Z is gonna do something, or some of these guys get their bats off their shoulders.
Game 25 Summary: RANGERS 3, MARINERS 1
Once again, a Mariner's starter dominated the opposition as Doug Fister threw 8 shutout innings while only allowing 3 hits, no walks and striking out 3. He now leads the league with a 1.29 ERA and a 0.80 WHIP. In the 4th inning, Guti singled in Chone Figgins to take a 1 run lead and going into the top of the 9th, it would have been all the Mariner's needed to take this one.
Unfortunately, Aardsma gave up a run for his second blown save of the week, forcing the game into extra innings. Texas brought in 2 runs in the 12th and thus concluded a sweep at home by a division rival.
Things could have gone a lot differently with just another run or two, but sadly, that appears to be the story behind most Mariner losses. The offense is the weakest in the league and while the pitching is phenomenal, give or take some bullpen stumbles, the anxiety level is extremely when your team can only give you 1 run or sometimes none at all.
PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Fister is in the grove. He may not be overpowering, but what a great #3 he's turning out to be!
Unfortunately, Aardsma gave up a run for his second blown save of the week, forcing the game into extra innings. Texas brought in 2 runs in the 12th and thus concluded a sweep at home by a division rival.
Things could have gone a lot differently with just another run or two, but sadly, that appears to be the story behind most Mariner losses. The offense is the weakest in the league and while the pitching is phenomenal, give or take some bullpen stumbles, the anxiety level is extremely when your team can only give you 1 run or sometimes none at all.
PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Fister is in the grove. He may not be overpowering, but what a great #3 he's turning out to be!
Game 24 Summary: RANGERS 6, MARINERS 3
And so the King's streak of quality starts ends at 18. Felix got some tightness in his back in the 3rd inning and tried to pitch through, but he did not make it through the 5th. Felix ended up giving up 5 runs, 8 hits, and 4 walks. While the injury does not appear to be serious, it did put the M's in position where a good amount of offense would be needed.
But, it was of no use. Lopez and Bradley each had a couple of hits and the team's rbis, while Chone Figgins and Jack Wilson scored the team's runs.
PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Jose Lopez brought his bat and knocked in a few runs to chase Franklin Gutierrez for the team's RBI leader, a position that Lopez snagged last season with 96.
But, it was of no use. Lopez and Bradley each had a couple of hits and the team's rbis, while Chone Figgins and Jack Wilson scored the team's runs.
PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Jose Lopez brought his bat and knocked in a few runs to chase Franklin Gutierrez for the team's RBI leader, a position that Lopez snagged last season with 96.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Game 23 Summary: RANGERS 2, MARINERS 0
Cliff Lee, in his first appearance as a Seattle Mariner thew a phenomenal game, going 7 innings while only allowing 3 hits, no runs, and no walks while striking out 8. Unfortunately, there was no offense put together until Texas won the game in the 12th inning. So, yet another Mariner's pitching gem was wasted with a dormant offense.
Also wasted were 3 hits from Ichiro, including a squeeze opportunity ruined when Eric Byrnes pulled back a bunt and left Ichiro high and dry as he ran for home where Matt Treanor fumbled the ball but was able to recover long before tagging Ichiro. Awesome.
PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Cliff Lee. He's already pitching like the former Cy Young Award Winner that we signed in the off season. It will be so much sweeter when he has some run support.
Also wasted were 3 hits from Ichiro, including a squeeze opportunity ruined when Eric Byrnes pulled back a bunt and left Ichiro high and dry as he ran for home where Matt Treanor fumbled the ball but was able to recover long before tagging Ichiro. Awesome.
PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Cliff Lee. He's already pitching like the former Cy Young Award Winner that we signed in the off season. It will be so much sweeter when he has some run support.
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