Mariners Third Loss to Astros

The Seattle Mariners starting pitching had a good series against the Houston Astros however the relief pitching did a poor job and the offense sputtered some.

Andrew Moore making his first start for the Mariners for some time had the third quality start against the Astros.  Moore was able to pitch six innings giving up three hits and two runs. Kyle Seager continued his hot hitting getting another home run in the game however in the top of the ninth inning with the score tied 3-3 Edwin Diaz gave up a double and then a home run to Cameron Maybin to win the game 5-3. This was the second game in a row that Maybin who the Astros picked up on waivers for the Los Angeles Angels recently won the game.

It is really sad that the bullpen that has had some good times did not do well in the series against the Astros. The Astros are showing that the difference between them and the Mariners is to be able to win late in games. The Mariners have had done so on occasion but nothing like the Astros. It is a shame because the Mariners were in every one of these games and this might have put them out of the wild card race. The Mariners will have to rebound against the Angels over the weekend to have any chance at all now.

It is amazing though that the Mariners are in the race at all with the injuries they have had all season especially to the starting pitching. I am sure the bullpen has had issues of late because until now the starters outside of Erasmo Ramirez haven’t made many quality starts. What has helped the bullpen is bringing up long relievers on a regular basis to at least not tired them out so much and using relievers like Vincent and Diaz primarily when they have been ahead.

Although the relievers have been tired it is time that they make every effort to keep the game where the Mariners have the best chance of winning. The offense needs to get back to scoring five or more runs a game as well so the pitching doesn’t feel they have to throw a perfect pitch each time out.

Right now Cano and Seager are doing well however Cruz and the other guys have to start doing their fair share as well. The Mariners have seemed not to be able to win a lot of games at home. They are around even however it would have been nice if they could have five to ten more games at home. They started the season not doing well on the road however have done better since then on the road instead of home. The last road trip they were 6-6 which we would take anytime even though they started out well going 4-2 in the first two series. It would be nice to win at least two out of three against the Angels before going back on the road. It is important that they win a good clip since they don’t have a lot games remaining in the season. Go M’s.