Thursday, May 23, 2019

Mariners Swept in Texas

The Mariners continued in there hitting slump on Wednesday afternoon losing 2-1. The problem wasn't only the hitting but the defense still is a problem with the Mariners having two more errors in the game and only one of the runs was earned off Marco Gonzales who pitched a good game that he deserves to win. He is now 0-4 in the month of May. He should have one more shot to get a win in May.

Gonzales was able to go seven innings in the game giving up seven hits, one walk and striking out three. This allowed the Mariners to save the bullpen though they do have Thursday off before facing the A's in Oakland on Friday.

The two newcomers to the Mariners bullpen faired well in this game. Jesse Biddle the lefty came first in the eighth inning. He gave up a hit, however, struck out a batter as well. Anthony Bass was able to get the final two outs of the eighth inning. Actually, a line drive was hit to him on one pitch that he was able to catch the runner at first base to complete a double play. 

The Mariners scored there only run in the seventh inning with back to back hits by Jay Bruce and JP Crawford. Catcher Omar Narvaez the Mariners hottest hitter had to leave the game in the 3rd inning because of a bruised knee when he was hit by a foul tip. He is listed day to day though he plans to play on Friday. We will have to see.

I am not sure why but in the 9th inning the Mariners had Tim Beckham still available on the bench but manager Scott Servais decided not to use him to pinch hit for either Dylan Moore who was playing third base or second baseman Shed Long. I would have used him pinch hitting for Dylan Moore. I have to figure Moore just came off the injured list and he isn't hitting that well. I hope Servais does have an explanation for his action other than giving Beckham the whole game off. 

Yusei Kikuchi after his last spectacular start that happened to be the last game the Mariners won will take the mound on Friday in Oakland. Right now he is the Mariner's best pitcher since Gonzales has struggled in May. The Mariners are undefeated against the A's this season though a small sampling.  It would be nice if the Mariners could turn around and sweep the A's. This would leave a road trip of 3-3. 

The Mariners right now are in last place a full game behind the Los Angeles Angels in the AL West division standings. The Mariners are 3-7 in there last ten games while the A's are 7-3. So the series might be difficult in Oakland though the Mariners are undefeated on the season. 

The Oakland A's seem to make there move at some point of the season so this could end up being difficult for the Mariners. This week the Mariners shook up their bullpen but they may have to make other changes especially with the hitting slump to get winning once again. Go M's. 

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