Surprise Happens Thursday Night

 

I was at friends for dinner than getting into my card turning on the radio I heard that James Paxton had left the game because he had a stiff lower back. I am sure it came as a surprise to everyone. We were hoping with Paxton on the mound that the Mariners had a fighting chance to win the game however things went from bad to worse. The Angels were winning at the time 3-1 with the Mariners coming to the plate in the top of the second. While driving home the Mariners didn't score at all. The Angels scored a single run in the second off of Chasen Bradford who pitched two and one-third innings.

 

The Mariners still looked like they had a chance only being down 4-1 however the Angels scored another run in the fifth inning. What really put the game away was two home runs first by Justin Upton and then Luis Pujols had his second home run of the game. His first home run was the one that was the last pitch by Paxton in the first inning. The two home runs were off of reliever Nick Rumbelow who likely will be sent back down with Christian Bergman to be activated to start the first game of the series against the Colorado Rockies. Utility player Andrew Romine pitched the eight inning giving up two runs that made the victory for the Angels at 11-2.

 

Since the weekend series is in Colorado Nelson Cruz will likely sit the weekend except pitch hitting at some point. I am sure the Mariners will look at the right opportunity to use him. This will be good to give him rest for the stretch run after the all-star break especially since he will make an appearance in the all-star game. It will be important that he be as healthy as possible.

 

The Mariners pitching hasn't been very good recently outside the start by Marco Gonzales on Wednesday. I am sure most fans are figuring that it could do with the loss of Mike Zunino. The other two catchers are doing fine however the pitchers have full confidence in Zunino. It is hard to know whether the pitching be this way if Zunino was catching as well. Zunino is ahead of schedule from his ankle injury so we hope that he will be able to go when the all-star break is over. He could be activated on Sunday however I am sure the Mariners won't to give him the extra four days available. Go M's.