Wednesday Afternoon in front of a large Independence Day crowd the Seattle Mariners winning streak came to an end of eight games. The Angels scored a single run in the top of the second inning that included catcher's interference with Japanese sensation Ohtani then the Mariners scored two in the bottom of the same inning with solo home runs by Kyle Seager and Ryon Healy. It was the only time that the Mariners lead in the game.
The Angels took the lead for good scoring two runs in fourth inning then another in the fifth and a two-run homer in the sixth inning. Mike Leake who had been pitching well the last several games left the game without any outs in the fifth inning so he gave up nine hits along with four runs with three being earned. Nick Rumbelow who came in for Leake gave up the two-runner homer. He pitched two innings for the Mariners. The Mariners scored again in the bottom of the sixth to make the score 6-3. Both teams scored a run in the eighth inning to make the final 7-4. The Mariners did have opportunity to score more runs having the bases loaded twice but were not able to deliver either time.
I figure it is hard to keep going after winning eight games in a row. I am sure everyone is hoping that the Mariners will start another win streak. Thursday night Marco Gonzales goes for his ninth win. In his last outing he was able to pitch a complete game against the Kansas City Royals. He only gave up one run in the top of the ninth inning in a 4-1 victory.
News came out that lefty Ariel Miranda who had one start this season early on was released so he could pursue pitching in Japan. I am sure he saw the writing on the wall. I hope that we will see him again in the major leagues. Erasmo Ramirez is expected to go on a rehab assignment soon. When he is ready he probably will find his way into the Mariners bullpen however he could become the sixth starter in the second half of the season. Both Dipoto and Servais have mentioned that a sixth starter is most likely going to happen especially when Marco Gonzales and Wade LeBlanc reach one hundred and fifty innings. The Mariners could have other candidates but Ramirez is a good option if he is able to stay healthy. At least we know he is capable to pitch in relief well as a starter.
We may see more of Gamel, Haniger and Span in the starting lineup depending on who is starting for the other team since Guillermo Heredia has been struggling at the plate. I am sure that Heredia will start against all lefties however he may get some days off against right handers depending who it is. The Mariners may sacrifice some defense earlier in the game if the runs seem to be limited. How much Zunino will play depends on his hitting as well and how Chris Herrmann does at the plate. Wednesday morning Zunino was working on his hitting and did have a hit and walk in two plate appearances when he pitched hit later in the game for Herrmann. Likely Zunino will see more duties than Heredia but this could happen. The Mariners could be shopping for another catcher as well.
I am sure before the end of the month we will probably see a trade that could involve getting a pitcher whether it is a starter or reliever. Who that will be is anyone's guess at this point. It will be good to have Cano back in the middle of August though he won't be eligible for the playoffs. At times the Mariners are missing his offense output. At this point it is hard to say how it will work out. Dee Gordon could return to center field until the last couple weeks in September. Go M's.
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