Mariners Win Final Game of Series Over Royals

Wednesday the Seattle Mariner had their final game of the series and the season against the Kansas City Royals. After frustration in the first two games, the Mariners pitching and hitting surface.

Marco Gonzales had his third good start in a row winning all three games. This was after losing five games in May and his first start in June. In all three games, he has only given up two runs in each game. I would have to say that is a good sign for Marco.

In this game, Gonzales went six and two-thirds innings scattering six hits, one walk and striking out five. Another good sign he and the relievers didn’t give a home run in the game.

Speaking of home runs the Mariners started off well with Domingo Santana hit a three-run homer in the first inning. It was the first of two home runs for him in the game. Daniel Vogelbach followed him with a home run as well. So after the first inning, the Mariners were leading 4-0. A very good sign; they often win when scoring in the first inning.

The Mariners had three more runs in the fourth inning and one more in the sixth inning. The Royals had their runs in the third and seventh inning.

The Mariners’ bullpen did a fine job over the final two and one-third innings. The three relievers gave up one single and a walk. I feel nervous when the relievers come into the game even with a large lead.

Mallex Smith who has been hitting well lately led off the game with a double. JP Crawford walked before Santana’s home run. Santana was the only Mariner hitter with more than one hit. He had three hits including the two home runs. He drove in five of the Mariners eight runs.

The Mariners had ten hits in the game. Everyone in the starting lineup had a hit except for Dee Gordon; got to give him a break since he has done well as of late.

We just hope this offensive outpour in this game will go into the series against the Baltimore Orioles. The series starts Thursday so it is a four-game series. It would be nice if the Mariners could win at least three if not sweep it. The Orioles is one of the worst teams in the majors so the possibility is here.

Wade LeBlanc is scheduled to start for the Mariners on Thursday night; however, the Mariners come go with an opener to start the game and bring LeBlanc in the second inning. Mike Leake is scheduled for Friday. All the starters except Gonzales will pitch in this series.

On the injury front, Felix Hernandez MRI showed no additional injury to his shoulder. He will throw several bullpen sessions then go on a rehab assignment with Tacoma when he is ready. Sam Tuivailala who has been out all season and was shut down on previous rehab assignment is expected to pitch Friday at Everett. Hunter Strickland who was expected to come off the injured list initially on Wednesday has to wait now. He is expected to throw light on Friday. Not sure when he will return right now.

I am sure everyone is looking to see who and when the next trade by the Mariners will be. With Jerry Dipoto it isn’t a sure thing but something could happen soon or wait until July before the trading deadline. How many will be traded is a good question too. The most likely player is pitcher Mike Leake. Also, Tim Beckham and Dee Gordon could go as well. Not sure on either one of them. Beckham doesn’t have a large salary and might not get much in return. Gordon does have a large salary but the Mariners may want to keep him because of his energy levels. We will have to see. Go M’s.