Mariners Leave Houston on Sour Note

 Going into Houston series the Seattle Mariners had just beaten the Texas Rangers in a three game sweep at Arlington Texas. Though the Astros were the hottest team in baseball no one expected that the Mariners would be swept in Houston. I certainly did not expect it. In fact I was looking at least two wins in the series; however, the Astros bats decided to sing a good song with ten home runs.

It would not have been so bad if the home runs were mainly solo shots but most of them had runs on base.

Going into the eighth inning on Sunday it actually looked like the Mariners had a chance to salvage the last game of the series as they came back to tie in the seventh inning. Unfortunately it was bad timing Carson Smith gave up his first run in the major leagues in the bottom of the eighth inning. Of course, it had to be a home run to Gettis who happened to hit his fourth of the series.

We all knew that Smith would eventually give up a run but in this game not good. It was the only bad pitch Smith pitched in the two innings he was in. Sort of wonder if he should of walked Gettis.

After the game the Mariners optioned Medina and Olson to Tacoma. They did not announce at the time who would replace them though speculation is left handed reliever Joe Beimel and shortstop Christ Taylor. Announcement is expected today. This would leave six relievers in the bullpen; so the Mariners will need to another reliever. Chris Taylor maybe there to take the place of center- fielder Austin Jackson who sprained his ankle in Sunday’s game.

The Mariners do have a day off on Thursday so it is possible they will skip a starter in the rotation. That starter could be looking at doing long relief and the Mariners getting another regular reliever when they return home on Friday.

The Mariners did have several chances to win the game on Sunday. They especially lost a run when Brad Miller hit a triple and did not come home on the play that Austin Jackson turned his ankle. On the next play he was thrown out at home on a fly out to right field by Seth Smith. Originally Miller was called safe but was overturned in replay by the umpires.

We can only hope now that the Mariners can go into Anaheim and win two out of the three at the expense of the Angels. Players like Robinson Cano will need to get out of their slumps and we can hope the pitchers will return to good form. Positive side Felix Hernandez will take the mound tonight.

The Mariners will need to change their ways in May. We hope that June will not make it another season of disappointment. They need to relax and play ball. We all know that they have the talent. Go Mariners!