Running Out of Steam

The Seattle Mariners had a lead going into the eighth inning over the Los Angeles Angels 5-2 behind Nelson Cruz 39^th home run and one shy of having four straight years hitting 40 home runs or more. Also Seager and Mike Zunino had home runs.

Unfortunately the Angels got four runs to take the lead 6-5 and the win in the eighth inning. Mike Trout had a home run in the first inning and then got another in the 8^th inning. I thought it wasn’t a big deal if the Mariners could leave the lead at that however they could not. Nick Vincent gave up the homer to Trout however gave up two more runs and then the Mariners replaced him with lefty specialist Mike Rzep… for another hit. The gap closed to a one run lead at 5-4 when closer Edwin Diaz came in the game to finish off the 8^th inning. He pitched to Valbuena who hit a double down right field on a 0-2 count and that was the game.

Marco Gonzales who started the game was only able to last four innings giving up four hits and two runs on seventy-three pitches. He was replaced by Ryan Garton who was able to go one and two thirds inning then James Pazos came in to get final out of the sixth inning. Emilio Pagan was able to get through the seventh inning striking out two batters so it was the top pitchers in the bullpen that couldn’t hold the lead. I figure the problem is that they have run out of steam.

We can hope that Dave Phelps can return next season in good form after surgery to help out over the season and the starters are able to stay healthy and go at least six if not seven innings so the relievers are not over used. This especially helps if the Mariners can go out and get another top notch starter.

Iwakuma had shoulder surgery this week I don’t see him coming back to the Mariners unless they sign him to a minor league contract with incentives. At his age it will be hard for him to get back to where he once was. I am sure most fans are saying the same for Felix Hernandez. We are hoping that he can pitch well next season even if it is not at the level we are accustomed in seeing. If Felix can be a solid third starter than that will be good for the Mariners though they will be putting out a lot of money; Felix has two years remaining and I don’t think the Mariners will sign him to another contract unless his pitching improves. Other pitchers have rebounded so we can only help that he does as well. He has had a pretty good curve ball along with change up if they work well than Felix should be effective. With the questions on the starting rotation it is important they go and get another starter. Go M’s.