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Surging Mariners Aim for Sweep Against Rangers
The Seattle Mariners are set to complete a three-game sweep of the Texas Rangers on Sunday, looking to further solidify their lead in the AL West. With a 7-5 victory on Saturday, the Mariners extended their division lead to 7 1/2 games. Key performances from Julio Rodriguez, George Kirby, and Josh Rojas have been instrumental in their recent success.
Mariners’ Surge
Recent Success
The Seattle Mariners have been on fire, winning six of their last seven games. Their 7-5 victory over the Texas Rangers on Saturday showcased a balanced attack, with both the offense and pitching staff contributing significantly. This hot streak has helped the Mariners build a solid lead in the AL West.
Key Contributions
Julio Rodriguez
Julio Rodriguez has been a key player for the Mariners. On Saturday, he hit a two-run homer off Rangers starter Nathan Eovaldi, marking his second home run in three games. Rodriguez has been heating up as the season progresses, contributing seven home runs and 29 RBIs. Mariners manager Scott Servais praised Rodriguez’s recent form, noting his improved ability to pull the ball in the air.
George Kirby
George Kirby delivered a strong performance on the mound, allowing just one unearned run and three hits over six innings. His solid outing provided the Mariners with a stable foundation, allowing the offense to build a lead.
Josh Rojas
Josh Rojas had a standout game, going 2-for-3 with a home run, three RBIs, and three runs scored. His offensive contributions were crucial in building a 7-1 lead, which the Mariners needed as the Rangers rallied late in the game.
Rangers’ Challenges
Struggles Against Mariners
The Rangers have struggled to contain the Mariners’ offense, particularly in the latter stages of games. Despite a late rally in the ninth inning on Saturday, they fell short. Manager Bruce Bochy acknowledged the difficulty of catching up to the Mariners, who have been playing solid, all-around baseball.
Key Moments
Marcus Semien’s two-run single in the ninth inning brought the Rangers within two runs, but they were unable to complete the comeback. Corey Seager’s potential game-tying hit was thwarted by a diving stop from Mariners rookie first baseman Tyler Locklear, highlighting the Mariners’ defensive prowess.
Pitching Matchup
Dane Dunning for the Rangers
Dane Dunning (4-5, 4.80 ERA) will start for the Rangers. Dunning has had mixed results against the Mariners, holding a 3-3 record with a 4.67 ERA in nine career starts. In his last outing against Seattle, he suffered a 4-0 loss, allowing four runs in 4 1/3 innings.
Logan Gilbert for the Mariners
Logan Gilbert (3-4, 3.19 ERA) will start for the Mariners. Gilbert has been effective against the Rangers, with a 3-2 record and a 2.59 ERA in 11 career starts. He earned a victory against Texas earlier this season, pitching 6 2/3 innings of two-hit ball.
Team Dynamics
Mariners’ Momentum
The Mariners have been riding high on the resurgence of players like Julio Rodriguez and Josh Rojas. Winning the first two games of the series has put them in a great position to secure a sweep.
Rangers’ Challenges
Despite some standout performances, the Rangers need more consistent contributions from their lineup and pitching staff. Manager Bruce Bochy emphasized the importance of better execution to avoid falling further behind in the AL West.
Conclusion
The series finale between the Mariners and Rangers promises to be an exciting matchup. The Mariners, led by the hot bats of Julio Rodriguez and Josh Rojas, aim to complete the sweep and further solidify their lead in the AL West. The Rangers will need a strong performance from Dane Dunning and continued offensive contributions to avoid the sweep. The outcome of this game will be pivotal for both teams as they continue their push in the highly competitive AL West.
