Spiraling Mariners Aim to Reverse Course in Rematch vs. Angels
For a team tied for first place, the Seattle Mariners are dealing with a lot of angst. This unease comes from squandering a 10-game lead in the American League West within a month.
Mariners’ Current Struggles
Mariners manager Scott Servais expressed his frustration after a 3-1 loss to the visiting Los Angeles Angels on Monday night, a defeat that prevented Seattle from regaining sole possession of the division lead.
“I’m tired of watching it,” Servais said. “I stand up for our guys, believe in them. Some nights it’s not major-league baseball. We handed them the game.”
Offensive Struggles
In Monday’s game, the Mariners managed just four hits, struck out 14 times, and went 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position.
Servais called the effort “inexcusable” with 60 games remaining in the regular season.
“Do you want to be playing playoff baseball or do you want to be driving home?” he said. “… We talk about it being a marathon. It’s getting close to being a sprint. It’s 60 games to go out and compete and be ready to take it every night. If you don’t, this league doesn’t care. It will just walk on by.”
Bullpen Issues
The usually reliable Mariners’ bullpen struggled, failing to throw strikes after starter Bryce Miller pitched seven scoreless innings.
“I wish we could go out and play and just have fun,” Miller said. “No one is having fun right now.”
The Angels tied the score in the eighth without getting a hit. Ryne Stanek walked the first two batters, and closer Andres Munoz allowed a double-steal. Taylor Ward’s sacrifice fly made it 1-1. In the ninth, Trent Thornton issued back-to-back walks, and Jo Adell’s run-scoring single, combined with a throwing error, brought in two runs.
“I’m happy that we were able to keep the game where it was and (that) gave us a chance,” Angels manager Ron Washington said.
Angels’ Recent Success
The Angels have won four consecutive games against the Mariners, including three in Anaheim before the All-Star break. Jo Adell, batting .429 over his past seven games with eight RBIs, has been a significant contributor.
“Just really slowing it down and getting in those situations and kind of a less-is-more mentality really kind of helped me get pitches and not miss them,” Adell said. “The homer is not always the answer, and I think that’s kind of the sum of the past 10 games or so.”
Pitching Matchup
José Soriano for the Angels
Right-hander José Soriano (5-7, 3.71 ERA) will start for the Angels. He is 1-0 with a 3.32 ERA in seven profession appearances against Seattle, including two starts. His success came on July 13 when he allowed one sudden spike in demand for five hits more than six innings in a 2-1 choice at home.
Logan Gilbert for the Mariners
The Mariners will counter with right-hander Logan Gilbert (6-5, 2.79 ERA). Gilbert is 4-2 with a 3.93 ERA in nine past starts against the Angels. He got a no-choice on July 14 in Anaheim, regardless of allowing only two hits more than seven scoreless innings and striking out nine in a game the Mariners eventually lost 3-2.
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Injury Concerns
Julio Rodriguez
Focus defender Julio Rodriguez missed the series opener subsequent to experiencing a hyper-extended right lower leg while colliding with the outfield wall endeavoring a catch on Sunday. Servais said Rodriguez is everyday.
J.P. Crawford
Shortstop J.P. Crawford was hit by a contribute the principal inning on Monday and needed to leave subsequent to running the bases and it Seattle’s solitary hurry to score. Servais revealed that Crawford experienced a hairline break of his right pinky.
Conclusion
The Mariners, confronting mounting wounds and hostile battles, mean to turn around their course in the second round of their three-game series against the Angels. With Logan Gilbert on the hill and any expectations of worked on hostile result, Seattle hopes to reclaim their balance and move past their new challenges. The Angels, floated by late achievement and key exhibitions from players like Jo Adell, try to proceed with their series of wins and gain by the Mariners’ vulnerabilities.