Zunino’s Walk-Off

In the bottom of the ninth inning on Wednesday’s night game against the Minnesota Twins with two outs and the Mariners trailing 5-4 Ben Gamel hit a single to keep the game alive. I had the feeling something big was going to happen. Mike Zunino was coming to the plate. In the 3^rd inning he had hit a home run and then Carlos Ruiz who was substituting for injured Nelson Cruz at designated hitter. My thought was why not Zunino hitting another home run. I knew he could do it or he would strike out. It would be one or the other most likely. Mike decided to end the game with a two-run homer. It seems that the Mariners lose a lot on walk-off hits so why not win one for a change. My thoughts came to reality.

Starter Yovani Gallardo gave up five runs in seven innings. The positive thing was that he did go seven innings so the Mariners only had to use two relievers out of the bullpen. Lefty James Pazos pitched the eighth inning giving up no hits and striking out one on ten pitches. He was followed by closer Edwin Diaz in the ninth inning that got the win as well and now has a record of 2-2. He gave up one hit on eleven pitches. No strike outs for Diaz in this game. Again the bullpen had rest for the game. Everyone in the bullpen should be available to pitch against the Twins Thursday night. It has been real nice during these games recently that the starters have been going longer so the bullpen has some rest. In regards to Gallardo I wonder how much longer they will keep him in the rotation. He looks like the guy who could be effective as a long reliever.

The Seattle Mariners are now even with a record of 30-30. Christian Bergman goes on the mound tonight to see if the Mariners can go a game above .500. Who will be the hero this time? Until pitchers make adjustments Mike Zunino looks like he deserves to keep starting for the Mariners. The big question is how Zunino will react after the pitchers adjustments happen. Actually they have done some adjustments because he has struck out some but then make adjustments himself. I am sure his confidence is raising everyday as well. I think he will be fine long as he doesn’t worry when he strikes out. Continue doing the work he has to become successful at the plate. Go Zunino and the M’s.