Mariners Lose on Blown Save

The Seattle Mariners were able to get to the Red Sox starting pitcher once again getting six runs in four runs. Yusei Kikuchi had a fine game pitching in his debut at Safeco Field where he went six innings giving up three with two being earned. The Red Sox were able to hit two home runs off Kikuchi. 

The Mariners were unable to get any hits off the Red Sox bullpen in four innings didn't help either but the bullpen didn't do their job for Seattle. Actually, Matt Festa was able to get the Red Sox out in the seventh inning but Rosscup, Gearrin, and Strickland didn't look good or get out of the game for the win. Rosscup gave up a home run making the score 6-4 into the eighth inning. Gearrin didn't give up a run but he struggled on the mound. He likely would have given up some runs if a ball wasn't hit to him down the first base line and he was able to get the runner at home in the part of a double play to end the inning. Strickland had the opportunity to get the save but ended up putting runners on base. Healy was able to get a throw to home to get a runner but Mitch Moreland came up with runners on first and second where he hit a go-ahead home run that cost the Mariners the game. The Mariners were unable to score in the bottom of the ninth.

Before Strickland gave up the home run manager Scott Servais and the trainer came out to see if he was OK. I wonder if Servais should have taken him out right there. After giving up the home run he was taken out and Roenis Elias finished the inning.

The question I have is how many days in a row will Strickland be able to pitch. It would not surprise me unless he is actually hurt that Servais brings him again Saturday night if a save opportunity comes again. With Edwin Diaz Servais would give him a day off after three days pitching in a row I wonder this be the same for Strickland or not. We will find out. The bullpen in the whole will need to be answered. 

The Mariners acquired catcher Tom Murphy from the San Francisco Giants on Friday. He might be starting Saturday night against a lefty. Mike Leake will be starting for the Mariners. I hope he does better than his last game against San Diego in the exhibition game last Monday. Go M's.