Mariners Go For Series Win

Saturday Night the first three innings Felix Hernandez looked a lot like his old self however came the fourth inning where he gave up four runs that included a three-run homer off the bat of Avisail  Garcia the right fielder of the White Sox. On the swing it looked to me that it was going to be a routine fly out than I saw Garcia's body language and new it was a home run.

Dylan Covey the starter of the White Sox pitched a wonderful game for them giving up only two hits to the Mariners both from the top of the lineup by Dee Gordon and Jean Seager. It was a surprise because Covey had been struggling coming into the game have an era average over seven in his last seven starts. It looks like he was due for a good start however it had to be against the Mariners whose offense has struggled against the Angels and Rockies before the break. The Mariners to keep their spot in the division toward the playoffs the offense has to get going. Yes every team goes through periods of not scoring runs but the Mariners can't afford to stay where they are at. For one thing we don't know how the pitching will hold up as well. It is possible that Felix would have continued pitching well if the Mariners had scored some runs but of course we will never know that. His fastball certainly isn't what it used to be but his other pitches are going well. He has to have the confidence to continue throwing those pitches. No matter what he thinks his fastball isn't what it used to be and likely won't return. I am sure the coaching staff has told him that but he needs to know that as well. 

Currently Erasmo Ramirez is on a rehab assignment with the Tacoma Rainiers along with catcher Mike Zunino. The Mariners are expecting Zunino back either Sunday or when the next series against the Giants starts on Tuesday. Ramirez not sure when he will be brought up and activated on the roster. Also not sure whether he will go into the bullpen or become the sixth starter if the Mariners decide to go that course. It would depend to whether Dipoto is able to get a starting pitcher before the trade deadline or a relief pitcher. Actually I would like the Mariners to get both. We hope that Edgar Martinez can push his buttons where the offense starts rolling. The Mariners can't wait for Robinson Cano to return in  three weeks. 

Mike Leake takes the mound Sunday afternoon in the final game against the Sox. The Mariners need him to get back into form instead what he has done in the last couple weeks. Right now James Paxton is expected to come off the disabled list to pitch Tuesday against the Giants. The Mariners need both Leake and Paxton to win these games. Go M's.