Series Recap: Mariners @ Indians
By James Loss
The Mariners picked up their second straight series win with a trip to Cleveland. The bottom of the Seattle rotation held its own and a spark of ferocity found its way into the bats of the offense.
Game 1
If the Mariners are trying to find the most bizarre ways to lose games, they’re doing a good job. Wade Miley gave up 3 runs in his second start of the season, two of which came from walks. Miley was pulled after 3 ⅔ innings. Meanwhile, the offense continued its struggle to put runs on the board. Seattle has scored three runs or fewer nine times in 13 games. Kyle Seager and Leonys Martin contributed the team’s only 2 runs, one of which came from a Seager solo home run. The good news is the bullpen was lights out, as a Mike Montgomery–Tony Zych combination allowed no runs after Miley’s meltdown.
Game 2
Taijuan Walker had himself a day, allowing only one run (unearned) through six innings. Walker gave up three hits and struck out six as he pitched Seattle to a slim victory. Once again, the Mariners found the win column in bizarre fashion. Nori Aoki ripped a 2-run triple in the second and the team would not score again. Walker and three other relievers would hold the lead and Seattle evened the series at 1-1.
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Games 3
The bats were let loose this game, as both teams scored enough runs to pass both their previous games totals combined. The Mariners accumulated a 5-0 lead by the 4th inning thanks to a home run from Steve Clevenger, alongside a few RBI from Aoki and Seth Smith. The game would ultimately find extra innings following back and forth rallies from both offenses. In the top of the 10th, Robinson Cano would get a hold of the perfect pitch and send a three-run homerun to centerfield. Nathan Karns would earn the no decision despite leaving the game with a 7-5 lead. Steve Cishek looked flawless again closing the game with a three-up-three-down bottom half.
Postscript
The Mariners offense found life in the final game, hopefully for good. Walker imposed his will in other start for Seattle and will likely move up a spot in the rotation.
Next: Player Profile: Nathan Karns
The Mariners continue their road trip with a visit to Anaheim tonight, where they look to continue the high gear offense from last game.