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Randy Arozarena, Mariners Aim to Light Up Foundering Phillies
Randy Arozarena has breathed new life into the Seattle Mariners’ offense. As the Mariners gear up to sweep their three-game interleague series against the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday afternoon, Arozarena’s impact is crystal clear. With six wins in their last eight games, the Mariners have reclaimed the top spot in the American League West.
Arozarena’s Impact
Since picking up Randy Arozarena from the Tampa Bay Rays, the Mariners have been on fire, scoring six or more runs in seven of eight games. Arozarena, batting .333 and scoring nine runs in seven games with Seattle, has given the team’s offense a massive boost. In Saturday’s game, he had two doubles and scored twice, including the winning run on a bases-loaded walk to Mitch Haniger in the bottom of the 10th inning, leading to a thrilling 6-5 victory over the Phillies.
Manager Scott Servais’ Perspective
Mariners manager Scott Servais is thrilled with the energy and excitement that Arozarena and Victor Robles have brought to the team. “The energy (Arozarena and Robles) give us is really paying off and helping this team,” Servais said. “They provide an entertainment factor … that’s what people come to see.”
Saturday’s Comeback Victory
Trailing 5-0, the Mariners showed incredible resilience. Haniger’s solo homer in the fifth inning got them on the board. Arozarena’s leadoff double in the sixth sparked a four-run rally that tied the score. The deciding bases-loaded walk was Haniger’s seventh career walk-off, tying him with Jim Presley for the franchise record. “A win is a win, but hitting in a walk-off feels a little better,” Haniger joked.
Phillies’ Struggles
The Phillies, leading the National League East, are in a slump with their sixth straight loss and a 3-11 record since the All-Star break. Manager Rob Thomson acknowledged the bullpen struggles, stating, “I think during the course of the year you go through this a little bit, and it gets contagious too, but once you come through it, that gets contagious as well.” All-Star reliever Jeff Hoffman, who had allowed just five earned runs all season, gave up four runs on Saturday. Despite these struggles, Thomson remains confident in his bullpen.
Key Players and Performances
Alec Bohm
Drove in three runs for the Phillies.
Bryce Harper
Broke out of a career-worst 0-for-24 slump with a leadoff double in the fourth inning.
Pitching Matchup: Zack Wheeler vs. Logan Gilbert
Zack Wheeler
Zack Wheeler (10-5, 2.94 ERA) will start for the Phillies. Wheeler will be facing the Mariners for the first time in his 10-year career. In his last outing, Wheeler allowed seven runs on seven hits, including three homers, over five innings in a 14-4 loss to the New York Yankees.
Logan Gilbert
Logan Gilbert (6-7, 3.11 ERA) will pitch for the Mariners. Gilbert is looking to bounce back from a rough start, where he gave up seven runs in 2 2/3 innings in a 14-7 defeat at Boston. He is 0-1 with a 7.20 ERA in two starts against the Phillies.
Game Insights
- Mariners’ Offensive Surge: The Mariners need to keep their offensive momentum, driven by Arozarena, to secure a sweep against the Phillies.
- Pitching Performance: Both starting pitchers, Wheeler and Gilbert, are coming off rough outings and will be looking to rebound. Wheeler’s debut against the Mariners adds intrigue to the matchup.
- Phillies’ Resilience: Despite their recent struggles, the Phillies’ lineup features key players like Bryce Harper and Alec Bohm, who can turn the tide.
Conclusion
As the Mariners and Phillies prepare for the series finale, the stakes are high. The Mariners aim to sweep the series and maintain their lead in the AL West, while the Phillies seek to end their losing streak and regain momentum. With key players and intriguing pitching matchups, fans can expect a thrilling and competitive game.
