The Seattle Mariners managed to halt their season’s worst losing streak, bouncing back with a crucial 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday. This win came at a critical time when the team was facing the prospect of being swept for the second consecutive series. Despite this triumph, the Mariners have fallen behind in the AL West, now trailing the Houston Astros by 2.5 games, having won only three out of their last nine series and 11 out of their past 27 games.
This weekend’s series showcased mixed performances from the Mariners’ pitching lineup. Young pitcher Bryce Miller struggled again, allowing five runs in his second start back from injury, raising questions about his readiness and whether a stint in the minors might be beneficial. Conversely, George Kirby delivered an outstanding performance, striking out a career-high 14 batters while only conceding two runs over seven innings. His fastball averaged 96.6 mph and boasted a 50% whiff rate, indicating a return to form that could prove vital for the team’s rotation.
In a significant move for roster management, catcher Cal Raleigh received his first true day off, highlighting the demanding nature of his position. The Mariners showcased their ability to win without him, which is encouraging as they approach the All-Star break, where Raleigh will likely remain busy with the upcoming home run derby.
Offensively, the Mariners found solace in the performances of Randy Arozarena and Jorge Polanco. Arozarena, coming off a challenging week, delivered impressive back-to-back performances in Anaheim, while Polanco notched a game-tying RBI single, marking a notable improvement in his batting against left-handed pitchers. Both players’ contributions could provide necessary boosts to the Mariners’ lineup as they aim to regain momentum moving forward.
While the Mariners face challenges, recent positive developments in the pitching and batting lineups offer hope. With improvements from key players, there remains a chance for the team to climb back into the race and revitalize their playoff aspirations.