Mariners Take Series and More

On Tuesday night the Seattle Mariners beat the Oakland A’s 6-3 to take the series before the final game Wednesday afternoon. The A’s took early lead in the first inning with the leadoff hitter shortstop Semien hitting a home run to make it 1-0. The Mariners took the lead in the 4^th inning with Yonder Alonzo hitting a two-run homer.  It stayed that way until the bottom of the sixth inning when Oakland took the lead again 3-2 on Khris Davis home run. Davis has hit a lot of home runs against the Mariners in their history. Over the TV I asked them to walk Davis though it would add another runner to the base paths but of course they didn’t listen to me and he did it. I screamed at the TV saying I told you so. At least the saving grace was that Danny Valencia hit a three-run homer and the Mariners added another run to make the lead and final score 6-3.

Right now we don’t know if the Mariners plan to have either or both Alonzo and Valencia back next season since they both will be free agents. This game Alonzo started at first base and Valencia in right field. They showed that they can be in the lineup at the same time at least against right handers. If they do both return next season I would look at Valencia being the fourth outfielder as well as playing first base and third base on occasion. It would be nice to see them in the lineup at least once if not twice a week against right handers and still have Valencia starting at first base against lefties. If neither one returns then the Mariners will have to go out and get a first basemen or have someone already on the team playing there. On social media someone suggested that Mitch Haniger play some first base since he is the weakest defender between him, Gamel and Heredia.

Speaking of Heredia it was announced he has a bad shoulder and that he wouldn’t play in the remaining games of the season. He was sent back to Seattle to have the shoulder looked at. It should not affect him to be ready for spring training.

Neither Mike Leake nor Felix Hernandez is going to make a start in the Mariners final four games on the season. Andrew Moore and Marcos Gonzales are expected to pitch in both of their places. Also James Paxton who pitched five innings on Tuesday is not expected to pitch in the final game of the season either. I am sure the Mariners will make the announcement on Friday before the series begins against the Angels.

Gordon Beckham started in place of Kyle Seager at third base on Tuesday night. He made an outstanding play in the field near the stands and then threw the runner out at second base. I am sure that play has been shown over and over again on major league highlights. Beckham is showing that he could be a candidate for the utility role for next season.

Erasmo Ramirez takes the mound for the Mariners in his final game of the season Wednesday afternoon. The Mariners are hoping that he will pitch another gem like he did against the Cleveland Indians last Friday night when he pitched eight innings gave only one run on a homer and three hits. Unfortunately he didn’t get the win that game. The Mariners win the final four games their record will be 81-81. Whether they do or not the final record will show how the team did for the season. Us true fans will root for the Mariners until the final out on Sunday afternoon. Go M’s.