Mariners: Open series with win in Anaheim

Now the pressure is likely off concerning the playoffs or lack off depending on how you look at it the Mariners are on the last road trip of the season starting with four in Anaheim against west division rival Angels.

The Mariners started off scoring two runs in the top of the first. A nice change over what has happened recently where the other team scores first and with the struggles the offense has had in the second half of the season.

The Mariners added another run in the second then Nelson Cruz hit a three-run homer in fourth inning to them up six to nothing;  a great thing for the pitching and the team for sure.

While the Mariners offense was going well so was the pitching of Mike Leake who has had his ups and downs on the mound throughout the season. He was shutting down the Angels until Justin Upton hit a home run to make it 6-1.

The Mariners added on another two runs in the top of the ninth innings. This is something they have lacked doing during the last month or so.

The Angels went bullpen by committee Thursday night so the chances were good that the Mariners might pull this game off.

In the bottom of the ninth Chasen Bradford came in after James Pazos had pitched the eighth inning. Bradford had a hard time including loading the bases however he ended giving up only one run with the help of the home plate umpire that gave Bradford some help. So the game ended with the Mariners winning 8-2. I had thoughts that Bradford would give up a grand slam then Edwin Diaz would have to come in and get another one run save. That is what the second half of the season has looked to me anyway.

Roenis Elias will pitch Friday night instead of Paxton who didn’t make the trip because of illness and not sure when Felix will pitch again because of his hamstring. Erasmo Ramirez will be going Saturday followed by Marco Gonzales. With Elias going the bullpen will get time in this game. Depending on the situation likely the Mariners will go with pitchers who were called up in September from Tacoma until late innings if they are ahead.

The Mariners now have a record of 80-66 with 16 games to go so they could reach 90 wins still.  The Oakland A’s are 89-58 being eight and half games ahead of the Mariners.  For the Mariners to have any chance still for the wild card they would have to go 8-2 at least on this road trip. The A’s have to go 2-8 then the Mariners sweep them at Safeco when they return a week from Monday. Even though likely won’t make it I hope the Mariners will play well and entertain us like in May and June. Go M’s.