Win In Texas for Mariners Despite Slow Start

Felix Hernandez started off slow giving up two runs in both the first and second inning. Although he didn’t give up any more runs he did struggle for five and one-third innings before being lifted for lefty specialist Marc Rzepczynski who went a full inning before taken out for Dave Phelps with one out in the 7^th inning.

Felix struggle included giving up a home run in the first inning with one runner on base to second baseman Odor of the Rangers. In the second inning he gave up a solo homer to centerfielder Gomez and another run. He was able to go another three and a third inning without giving up another run however it still didn’t look like the Felix we are accustomed to. Besides the four runs he walked three and struck out five. It looks like Felix will have to go back to the drawing board for his next start likely on Saturday in Kansas City. The Royals have been a hot team as of late so it won’t be easy game for him. He needs to keep the ball down.

Dave Phelps had a good outing striking out five and allowing a walk in one and two-thirds innings.

The Mariners scored three runs in the fourth inning to bring the game close 4-3 and then in the sixth inning after Heredia got on base Leonys Martin who made his second start in a row in right field for injured Mitch Haniger hit a triple that was close to being a home run to tie the score.

The game stayed tie until the top of the ninth inning when Carlos Ruiz hit a single the second hit in the game for him. He was pinch hit for by Jarrod Dyson however he was erased on a grounder by Ben Gamel who ended up on second base because of a throwing error. Jean Segura than walked and then lefty reliever Alex Claudio was charged with a bock so Gamel and Segura were sent to third and second base. The Texas Rangers pitching coach was tossed from the game after arguing when he went to the mound to talk with Claudio. It was actually his second bock of the game. When you look at his delivery you can see why he was charged with a bock. He could have been charged with more in the game too. Robinson Cano then hit a near double to drive in Gamel and Segura. You see Cano was out running to second base to make the second out in the inning however the score made it 6-4 which was the final score. Edwin Diaz came in the bottom of the ninth and got the save. He struck out two out of the three batters he faced including the third out to get the save.

Erasmo Ramirez will make his season debut for the Mariners on Tuesday night against the Rangers after being reacquired last week for reliever Steve Cishek. At this point Ramirez will start. Andrew Moore was sent back down last week to work on some things. He was giving up too many home runs.

Nick Martinez was recalled from Triple A to start for the Rangers.  He is taking the spot of Yu Darvish who was traded just before the deadline to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Darvish was expected to start Tuesday if he had not been traded. Martinez has made eleven starts this season for the Rangers. He has a record of 3-3 with an era of 4.56. He isn’t a strike out pitcher since he has only thirty-eight strike outs in seventy-one innings.  He does have a good ratio walking only nineteen batters.

Martinez being a right handed pitcher it looks as though Dyson will start in centerfield after Heredia did on Monday night. Leonys Martin will be the primary right fielder it looks like while Haniger will be out who is expected back in about ten days. I am not a big fan of it though he has hit well in both games he has started I believe that Heredia deserves the chance to start on a regular basis.

Let you know about my blog that I write only about the Mariners. For some reason not getting many to read it at this time the link is https://marinerbaseballbyherb.wordpress.com

In other local sports news regarding the Seahawks it looks like top pick Malik McDowell is on his way to Seattle. Monday I mentioned that he had been injured in an accident and we didn’t know when he would be in camp. Not sure what will happen however he likely will be checked by team doctors. Have more news on him either later Tuesday or on Wednesday.