The Seattle Mariners continue to make us shake our heads when
it comes to how they play. Even general manager Jerry Dipoto isn’t sure what
version of the team will show up in a given series.
The Mariners seem to play better against the teams that they
are fighting against to make the playoffs while not so well against teams that
are not so good. At least they are still in the playoff hunt at this time.
It was nice to see the Mariners offense get off in the first
inning scoring five runs going through the whole lineup. Dee Gordon had a key
hit in the first inning as well at the number nine spot. He was playing
shortstop as Jean Segura was scratched from the game. He took himself out
before the beginning of the game. Manager Scott Servais wasn’t sure why he did
so since it was an important game however the Mariners responded well anyway.
Ryon Healy wasn’t in the lineup originally had a couple hits and drove in a run
himself. Robinson Cano originally set to play first base but went to his normal
spot of second base and Gordon moved over to shortstop. Have to see if Segura
will be back in the lineup Friday night or not.
Wade LeBlanc who has pitched well most of the season since
being put in the rotation was able to go well in a game it was important for
him to do so. The Mariners need to take at least three games in this series to
have a shot to make the playoffs. LeBlanc was able to go seven innings giving
up three hits and three walks without a run being scored. Besides the five runs
in the first the Mariners were able to get another run in the second and then a
final run in the fourth inning when Mitch Haniger hit a home run. Oakland
scored their only run in the eighth inning off of Adam Warren. Nick Vincent
took care of the ninth inning giving up no hits and striking out a batter. It
was nice to see an easy win 7-1 for a change especially when they can use the
win.
The Mariners are now four and a half games behind the A’s.
The Houston Astros also lost so the Mariners gained a game against them as
well. Right now the Mariners are playing like they are in the playoffs. We do
hope they play like a playoff team so they give themselves all the chances to
make it. The Mariners did go through something similar when they made their
first playoffs back in 1995.
Friday night Mike Leake pitches against Mike Fiers. We hope
that the offense does much better this time around against Fiers and that Leake
pitches a good game. This is Leake’s second outing after having to miss a turn
because of illness.
James Paxton is expected to start on Saturday after being on
the disabled list. With teams able to expand on September 1st the
Mariners will not have to take a pitcher off the roster. In fact they will
probably add two or three pitchers for the bullpen on Saturday as well along
with catcher David Freitas. They will likely add some more players as needed
next week. Felix is scheduled to start on Sunday for the final game of this
series. No news when Marco Gonzales is expected back from the dl. Go M’s.
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