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Series Recap: Mariners @ Rangers

By James Loss

Apr 5, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter Nelson Cruz (23) and second baseman Robinson Cano (22) and shortstop Luis Sardinas (16) celebrate after a two run home run by Sardinas against the Texas Rangers during the eighth inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Mariners defeated the Rangers 10-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter Nelson Cruz (23) and second baseman Robinson Cano (22) and shortstop Luis Sardinas (16) celebrate after a two run home run by Sardinas against the Texas Rangers during the eighth inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Mariners defeated the Rangers 10-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Mariners traveled to Arlington to take on the Texas Rangers in the 2016 season opener and took two of three on the road.

Game 1

Felix Hernandez, with the help of Mike Montgomery, held the Rangers lineup to one hit. That one hit came from designated hitter Prince Fielder, bringing in the only earned run for Texas. If you do the math, one hit and one earned run shouldn’t beat the two runs the Mariners scored, right?

On paper, Felix Hernandez had a solid outing with 6 strikeouts. A fifth inning collapse resulted in Hernandez walking in a run and 2 errors allowing another. 3-2 would remain the score until Rangers closer, Shawn Tolleson put away the side in the 9th.

There was little action in the game besides two first-inning homers from Robinson Cano and Kyle Seager. Overall, it wasn’t a bad outing for the team, but a cleaner defense will put less stress on hitters.

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Game 2

A long off-season filled with trades and new teammates compiled into a lineup that can rival any team in the MLB and they showed their skills on Tuesday night. Scott Servais earned his first win as a MLB skipper thanks to a monster 8th inning with 3 home runs and a deep double from Kyle Seager.

Nelson Cruz, Seth Smith, Luis Sardinas and Cano had a home run in game 2, showcasing the power this Seattle lineup can produce. Starting pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma, allowed only 2 earned runs through five innings, but ended up with a no decision. Even though he couldn’t lock in a win, Iwakuma looked healthy as he recorded 5 strikeouts on the day.

Game 3

Once again, the M’s got off to a quick start as Cruz launched a two-run shot over the fence in the 1st, followed by Leonys Martin’s solo homerun in the 2nd.  Wade Miley made his Mariner debut on the mound after being acquired from the Red Sox. Miley looked solid, holding the Rangers to two runs until the 6th inning.

Prince Fielder did what he does best: punish a hanging breaking ball. The Mariners lost the lead when Fielder sent a monster 3-run home run 450 feet deep, making the score 5-3 in favor of Texas. After Texas pitcher Keone Kela walked in one run, it was 5-4 going into the top of the 9th.

Tolleson took the mound for the final inning of the game and found himself in hot water quickly. Nori Aoki and Ketel Marte opened the inning with back to back singles, setting up a deep double to left by Martin that scored Aoki from second. With the game tied, Seager approached the plate and hit a 2 run single to center field, putting Seattle ahead by two. To put the icing on the cake and seal the game, Cano hit his 4th home run in three games, capping the score at 9-5.

Next: Player Profile: Adam Lind

Postscript

The Mariner won the series 2-1 and have the MLB talking. A strong offensive showing suggests a new and improved team that is eager for a playoff run. Encouragingly, the Mariners bullpen did not allow a run in these 3 games, as all earned runs were given up by the starting pitchers. Seattle struggled to hang onto leads last season when they dug deep in the bullpen. Overall, it was a great opening series for the team and they’re headed back to Seattle for their home opener against the A’s on Friday.  

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