Mariners Keep Blasting Away

The Seattle Mariners now have won another series winning the last two games over the Chicago White Sox. The Mariners beat the White Sox Sunday afternoon 12-5 after Saturday's win 9-2. Hadn't been for a blown save Friday night the Mariners would have swept the series.

Edwin Encarnacion and Daniel Vogelbach were the two big bats on Sunday.  Encarnacion played first place in place of Jay Bruce giving him a day off and Vogelbach at DH. Encarnacion had a home run in the 4th inning. This was after the Mariners scored six runs in the 3rd inning. He had three hits in the game and drove in four runs.

Vogelbach had a bigger game hitting a double in the 3rd inning than a two-run homer in the fifth and another homer in the ninth inning. The three hits by Vogelbach gave him six runs batted in for the game.  Centerfielder Mallex Smith had a couple hits while scoring two runs and Domingo Santana did the same along with driving in a run in as well. 

The Mariners caused another starter to leave the game early as Ivan Nova left in the third inning giving up seven runs on seven hits. He left with one out. Three of the White Sox relievers gave up the other five runs. The White Sox used five relievers in all.

Now the Mariners go to Kansas City to play the Royals for four games starting on Monday. Felix Hernandez will be making his second start for the Mariners.

The way Vogelbach is hitting right now we will likely see Jay Bruce play some outfield giving Santana, Haniger, and Smith a day off. I would not be surprised if the Mariners give Bruce two chances in the outfield in the Royals series at least.

Wade LeBlanc recorded his second victory going six innings giving up six hits and two runs. He walked only one batter while striking out six.

Matt Festa came in for LeBlanc in the seventh inning. He didn't fare so well like he did in his previous outings. Fortunately, the Mariners had the large lead in this one. He gave up three runs on three runs and two walks. He did strike out the last batter to finish the inning. I expect the game being closer he would have been taken out before finishing the inning. I expect Festa will rebound in his next outing.

Chasen Bradford gave up one hit in the eighth inning without giving up a run. Anthony Swarzak made his second time out of the bullpen after coming off the injured list pitched the ninth inning taking the White Sox batters fast and easy.  He threw 12 pitches getting all three batters and striking out one. He looks like someone who will help the Mariner bullpen in a fine way. It will be interesting to see if he ends up pitching again tomorrow in Kansas City. I am sure Servais will look to see if he can go two days in a row.

Tim Beckham had to leave the game early because of his hamstring. Utility player Dylan Moore took his spot. We will have to see if Beckham returns tomorrow or whether Mariners give him a full game off. We will update on Beckham on Monday.