Mariners Bat’s Alive

The Mariners had a tough time at home against the Houston Astros because of the pitching and then on Friday started poorly against the Rangers finally scoring four runs in the ninth inning. On Saturday the Mariners had a really good day hitting the ball. For them to the win the game they had to hit because James Paxton struggled off starting the game throwing more than thirty pitches in the first inning. He was fortunate to only give up a run that inning. The Mariners tied in the top of the  3^rd inning however the Rangers scored three runs in the bottom of the 3^rd to take 4-1 lead.

Nelson Cruz had an outstanding game getting three hits including a two-run homer in the top of the fourth to close the gap 4-3. Cruz first hit a ball that was called foul down the left field line looked like a homer however on the next pitch hit one out in left field that was no doubt at all.

Both the Mariners and Rangers scored a run in the sixth inning to make the score 6-4 however in the seventh inning the Mariners scored five runs including a homer by Robinson Cano and Mitch Haniger to make the lead 9-6.  Edwin Diaz came in the eighth inning to get the final out however struggled in the ninth inning walking three batters along with a hit. He gave up his first run of the season but was able to get out of it for his eighth save of the season for the final score of 9-7.

The top of the Mariner’s order again were the hot hitters with Dee Gordon, Robinson Cano, and Nelson Cruz each getting three hits. Jean Segura had only one hit however it was a big one a double that drove in two runs in the seventh inning.

Guillermo Heredia pinch hit for Ben Gamel against a lefty in the seventh inning was once again part of that rally. The reason he was in the game to be for defense. Even when he doesn’t start in a game he will be brought in late for defense however he always seems to be part of one of the important rallies the Mariners have. He is valuable in so many ways for the Mariners that some may never realize.

Sunday afternoon before the Mariners go to Chicago to take on the White Sox Erasmo Ramirez is expected to be activated and to start his first game of the season. It will be important that he goes at least six innings to rest the bullpen. Also it would be nice to be able to sweep the Rangers as well. The Rangers are 2-10 at home now after these two Mariner wins. The Mariners are two and half games behind the Houston Astros in the American League West. The Los Angeles Angels who are in second place are just a half-game ahead of the Mariners. It will be really nice if the Mariners bats can stay alive for most of the road trip.