Eight Wins in a Row

The Seattle Mariners started a series Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Angels going for their eighth win in a row and they do so 4-1 behind the pitching of Wade LeBlanc who now is 4-0.

 

Earlier in the day LeBlanc signed a contract extension that goes through 2019 with options on the side of the Mariners for the next three years after that. At the end of spring training LeBlanc signed a minor league contract with the Mariners after being let go by the New York Yankees. Wouldn't it be ironic if he beats the Yankees in the playoffs. I am not sure if I have ever heard of a player signing an extension during the season where  they started out on a minor league contract. It is really good for LeBlanc since he has done a good job for the Mariners and he is rewarded for his efforts.

 

The Mariner's scored three runs in the first inning when Jean Segura hit a double then Mitch Haniger and Nelson Cruz both walked. Segura and Haniger both scored on a single by Kyle Seager that went into left-center. Cruz scored on a wild pitch that Ryon Healy struck out on but reached first base as well. That score kept up until the fourth inning when Andrelton Simmons hit a home run for the Angels. It was only one of three hits that LeBlanc gave up. Nelson Cruz sealed the victory when he hit a solo home run in the bottom of the eighth. LeBlanc went seven innings giving up the three hits and one run along with one walk and four strike outs. Alex Colome pitched the eighth inning  where he struggled once again giving up a single and a walk however he got out of it without yielding a run. Edwin Diaz pitched the ninth striking out one and getting his thirty-third save.

 

Mike Leake will go for his ninth win Wednesday night followed by Marco Gonzales who will do so as well. There is a possibility that the Mariners could have four starters with ten victories by the All-Star break in a couple weeks.  Felix Hernandez will pitch the first game in the weekend series against the Colorado Rockies on Friday followed by James Paxton and Wade LeBlanc. The Mariners then will go on the road to play both the Angels and Rockies once again. Go M's.