Mariners Good Start 2nd Half

The Seattle Mariners on Friday got good pitching from James Paxton who went six innings gave up five hits and two runs along with nine strikeouts. The best part he did not give up a walk in the game. The Mariners ended up beating the Chicago White Sox in Chicago 4-2. James Paxton now has a record of 8-3 for the Mariners with an era of 3.19.

The Mariners scored three of the runs on a homer by Robinson Cano who continued his hitting from the All-Star game. The fourth run was scored by Jean Segura on a wild pitch. Segura continued his hot hitting scoring twice on two hits including a double that help lead to the score on the wild pitch.

The Mariners did struggle throughout the game not able to score anymore runs. They were 2 for 13 with runners in scoring position. Fortunately the Mariners had outstanding pitching from the relief core of Tony Zych who came in for Paxton in the seventh inning followed by Nick Vincent and Edwin Diaz. All three relievers struck out two of the three batters they faced and did not give up a hit.

Although he did get one hit in the game that helped score one of the three runs on Cano’s homer catcher Mike Zunino had an at bat with two runners on base where they both ended up stranding. I wonder at this point especially when they are in a close game whether the Mariners should have used a pinch hitter in his spot. I know there could be a question whether Zunino would lose confidence if he was replaced as well but I would take the chance. I know there is a chance that Carlos Ruiz could get hurt when he would replace Zunino however I think that the Mariners need to take that chance since they still could make the playoffs. The important thing is what is best for the team. Zunino right now is not hitting like he did in June. His current batting average is at .224 though at one point he had the average over .250 and still not sure how he will hit over the long run for the Mariners.

The Mariners and White Sox play an early evening game Saturday in Chicago with Felix Hernandez going against Mike Pelfrey who had record of 3-7 with an era 4.83. The Mariners have a good chance to take the series if Felix can pitch like he did in his last outing and go at least six innings like Paxton did Friday night. Sunday the Mariners will have Andrew Moore going for them. I am not sure if the White Sox have announced who they will have going on Sunday after Jose Quintana was traded to the Cubs. Quintana originally was scheduled to face the Mariners on Sunday. Go M’s.