Three Surprising Mariners Stats

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May 10, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Steve Cishek (31) throws against the Tampa Bay Rays during the ninth inning at Safeco Field. Seattle defeated Tampa Bay, 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

2. The Mariners are first in the AL in saves with 12.

11 of the Mariners’ 12 saves have been recorded by closer Steve Cishek, who has been effective in his role this year. He has given up two earned runs, both on solo home runs, and struck out 22 in 18.1 innings so far this season. No one knew what to make of the Mariners bullpen made of bounce-back candidates and cast-offs, but it appears that Servais and company have a reliable array of arms anchored by Cishek.

Being first in the league in saves is a symptom of the many close games the Mariners have found themselves in this season. The Mariners have played 12 one-run games so far, winning seven of them. That’s seven of their 20 wins coming in the clutch. Take away those seven wins, and the Mariners are a much different team. If they can continue to win close games, it’s a good sign for the rest of the season.

This is a team that is built to defend close leads and to use their pitching to keep games close. In extra innings, the Mariners are 4-1. Because of their deep bench and their effective bullpen, the Mariners are pulling out wins that they would have blown last season. Remember the Dae-Ho Lee walk-off against the Rangers? It wouldn’t have happened if Cishek hadn’t kept Texas from scoring in the ninth and Lee hadn’t been available off of the bench. Keeping close ballgames close gives the Mariners more chances to win with their pitching and hitting depth.

Next: Despite Running into Outs

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