As we go deeper into the MLB season, you get a feel for teams. The Seattle Mariners slumped into last place in the A.L. West, mainly because of a lack of offense. But as this week has shown, teams can still surprise. After putting a five game losing streak behind them, the Mariners won three out of their next five. More surprising, in each win the Mariners scored double digit runs. On Wednesday, the Mariners scored the highest total in the majors this season in beating Texas 21-8. With the offense’s recent punch, Seattle moved up to 24-32 on the season, tied with Oakland for last place or third, depending on your view, in the A.L. West.
Good News: The offense can score. John Jaso led the offense in Tuesday’s 10-3 win over Texas. Jaso went 2-for-5 with a HR and 3 RBI. Wednesday was that day when everything clicked for Seattle’s offense. After four innings, Seattle was up 17-0. Justin Smoak led a four HR attack by hitting two three-run homers against his former team. Jesus Montero and Dustin Ackley also homered for Seattle. The Mariners offense showed the same kind of punch Saturday breaking the Chicago White Sox’s nine game winning streak winning 10-8 in 12 innings. Michael Saunders raised his average to .256 by going 4-for-6 with 2 RBI, and John Jaso was the hero doubling home the go-ahead run in the 12th.
Justin Smoak celebrates after powering the Seattle offense on Wednesday. The Mariners scored a MLB season-high 21 runs defeating the Texas Rangers 21-8.
Bad News: As hot as Seattle was, Chicago came into the series hotter and took two of three from Seattle. On Friday, after rallying to tie the game at 4, Chicago took advantage of a Michael Saunders’ error to score three runs in the bottom of the eighth. Felix Hernandez got touched up in the loss on Friday giving up three home runs to the Sox, two to Gordon Beckham and one to Adam Dunn. The Mariners ended up snapping the White Sox’s nine game winning streak on Saturday, but Hector Noesi didn’t escape the fifth inning in his start also giving up three home runs. The Mariners only put up two runs in losing the rubber match 4-2, as Chris Sale went the distance holding Seattle to five hits and two runs. Kevin Millwood got his first loss since May 8th to the Tigers.
On the Horizon: The Mariners finish up a nine-game road trip in Anaheim. Seattle has struggled so far against the Angels this season going 0-4. The Angels used that series to leapfrog Seattle in the standings, and they now have a four and a half game lead on the Mariners. Seattle’s two best pitchers will go in the series as they look to make up ground on the Angels. Jason Vargas will go in the season opener tonight, and Felix Hernandez looks to bounce back from his start against Chicago on Wednesday night.