Mariners Shut Out Red Sox

The Seattle Mariners on Sunday avoided the sweep against the Red Sox and snapping their scoreless streak as well. Also they blanked the Red Sox as well behind the pitching of Christian Bergman. He pitched seven innings giving up four hits, two walks and two strike outs;  if he continues pitching this way for the Mariners even when Felix Hernandez, Iwakuma and Drew Smyly he could be the fifth starter.

He was followed by lefty James Pazos who faced one left and then Nick Vincent in the eighth inning who gave up one hit. Edwin Diaz is back in the closer role. He pitched well however Kyle Seager and Jean Segura did not make it easy both having errors in the ninth inning. In fact Segura’s error should have been a game ending double play however Diaz was sharp and struck out two batters. He did not give up a hit or walk anyone.

The game was still in doubt until the top of the ninth inning. The Mariners were leading 3-0 when Robinson Cano hit a two-run homer over center field to make it 5-0.

The Mariners now go to Colorado to face the Rockies for two games before coming home. They face the Rockies in two games at Safeco Field as well. It is a day game today because of Memorial Day. Sam Gaviglio makes another start for the Mariners. Like Bergman if he continues to pitch like he did in his last outing will make it difficult to keep him out of the rotation when the other pitchers get healthy and either he or Bergman could be the long reliever out of the bullpen as well.

Speaking of the bullpen they should be all ready to go today. Nick Vincent may be the only one that might not pitch. If he doesn’t most likely Steve Cishek will take his spot. Vincent and Cishek look to be the primary guys in the seventh and eighth inning. Depending on the score and who is up for the opposition Edwin Diaz may come in the eighth inning. In that case Vincent or Cishek could close the game. If they are facing tough lefties in the ninth we could see lefty specialist Marc Rzepczynski as well.

The Mariners sent starter Rob Whalen back down to Tacoma after pitching Saturday against the Red Sox. The Mariners brought up Rainier closer Ryne Harper. He had an era of 1.89 in fifteen games with three saves. He has nine walks and twenty-four strike outs in nineteen innings. I have to say that he does deserve a shot to pitch out of the Mariners’ bullpen. Depending on how the game goes today we could see him come into the game. The Mariners lineup is their regular lineup except Nelson Cruz is playing in right field because of no designated hitter. Ben Gamel playing left field and Guillermo Heredia will be coming off the bench. Go M’s.