The Mariners have split the first two games against the Red Sox. This series will show how close or not the Mariners are with the top of the American League along with what needs that they need. The first game the Mariners lost 2-1 on Thursday night and then came behind to beat the Red Sox 7-6 Friday night. The Mariners continue to show that they can make a difference in the game when they are behind.
Friday night's game the Mariners had a home run in the first inning by Jean Segura and then scored two more runs in the second however the third inning was the inning where the Red Sox scored their six runs so things didn't look good for the Mariners however the relief pitching was outstanding especially Rob Whalen came in the fourth inning after Chasen Bradford finished off the third inning after James Paxton left the game. Whalen who had just called up on Wednesday pitched four innings giving up one hit and a walk. Ryan Cook pitched the eighth inning; he walked two batters and gave up a hit as well but didn't surrender a run. Edwin Diaz got his twenty-sixth save though he walked a batter and gave up a hit as well. The bullpen is still showing their strength in the most part despite getting batters on base.
The Mariners scored a run in the fifth inning to bring the score closer 6-4 then Mike Zunino hit a solo home run to get within one run in the seventh and then in the eighth inning Denard Span pitch hitting for Heredia hit a double to bring in two runs to make the final score 7-6. The Mariners continue to make big plays at the end of a game. I am sure those who have doubts will wonder how long this will continue but it has been going on for at least a month so I can't see it not continuing.
I am sure that general manager has his eyes open to go out and get another starting pitcher before the trading deadline. Although they have gotten good performances out of Marco Gonzales and Wade LeBlanc neither has a long record over a period of time. I am not saying to take one or the other out of the rotation but they still need to get another starter. Plus we are not sure how Felix Hernandez will do in the long run either. He seems to be pitching well at home but poorly on the road. James Paxton though he had a bad outing on Friday night only pitching two and a third innings and Mike Leake are the only ones the Mariners can count on for the remainder of the season and what happens if someone in the rotation gets hurt? The remaining of this series against Boston along with Yankees in New York and the Red Sox again in Boston will not only measure the Mariners it will show their weaknesses even if they win a majority against those two teams or split the series. Also it would be nice to get a pitcher that has had success against the Houston Astros and the Angels whether as a starter or reliever. They still have about thirteen games against both of those teams so the Mariners need to have success by at least splitting or winning a majority of the games. They can't afford to lose a lot against either one. The last series against both teams show they likely will hold their own. It would be nice to get a starting pitcher that has had some success in the playoffs as well since at this point unless they collapse they should be able to make it. Even if they win half of the remaining games to be played they will win 90 games which should qualify them for the playoffs. The importance for us fans is to enjoy the ride. As we know it doesn't come around here very often. Go M's.
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