Mariners Smash Padres

Going into the sixth inning Monday afternoon the Seattle Mariners were trailing the San Diego Padres 2-0. It looked as though the Mariners were going to let another game get away from them however the sixth inning turned things around. We must wonder if this will put the Mariners into another win streak. It reminds me when the Mariners started the season and lost their first five games at home before Dae-Ho Lee hit a walk-off homer. Monday’s game Lee did not hit a walk-off homer however he did hit a three run homer in the eighth inning to almost seal the game.

The sixth inning started off with Aoki reaching base on catcher’s interference followed by Seth Smith’s double to left-center to score Aoki. After Cano popped up Nelson Cruz came up and hit a single into center to tie the score at 2-2. Kyle Seager finished the sixth off by hitting the first pitch into right field fence. Before Lee’s three run homer in the eighth Adam Lind hit a single up the middle to score two runs. Lee’s home run ended the scoring in the game.

Again Nathan Karns pitched a good game though he gave up eight hits in sixth and two-third innings. He gave up one walk and struck out six batters along with the two runs. The first trade that Dipoto made as general manager of the Mariners look like a steal right now; the three players the Mariners gave up for him are not doing so well for the Tampa Bay Rays. In fact Danny Farquhar was sent to the minors and then released by the Rays. It is amazing what can happen in two years when back in 2014 Farquhar was a major player in the Mariners’ bullpen. I still think that Brad Miller will be a good player though he is struggling for the Rays. I am not sure whether shortstop is the best position for him. He may be better to be switched to second base or the outfield. With his arm playing in right field could be a good place to put him along with his speed. On the other hand not only has Karns has pitched well the Mariners received Boog Powell in the trade too. With Leonys Martin looking like the centerfielder not only now but the future Powell could be in either right or left field and spelling Martin when he needs a rest. Cant’s say right now that Powell will be a good or great player but if he does this trade will be even more in the favor of the Mariners. Dipoto certainly knows what to go for as far as players go even if other teams do not realize it.

The Mariners play another game Tuesday afternoon against the Padres before heading to San Diego to play them two more times and then onto Texas against the Rangers. The series in Texas could put either team a few games ahead in first place. I am sure everyone will take twenty-nine wins by the Mariners in the first fifty games. If they can do the same in the next fifty games this will leave the Mariners with a record of 58-42; this would put the Mariners in quite a good spot for sure. Go M’s.