Takeaway
LHP James Paxton was a lot better the second time around, but it wasn’t enough on a night when Cleveland starter Trevor Bauer was even better against Seattle bats. The Mariners managed five hits in a 3-1 loss to the Central Division-leading Indians (box), Seattle’s fourth loss in a row and the Indians’ (32-24) sixth consecutive win. The Mariners fell four games behind Texas in the AL West standings.
Essential moment
With the Mariners clinging to a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning, Seattle nearly turned in a huge out at home plate that would have made the game look different.
Cleveland’s Jose Ramirez doubled into the left-field corner with Carlos Santana on first. LF Seth Smith’s relay throw to SS Ketel Marte looked as if it were going to lead to a memorable play at the plate. Marte fired a near-perfect strike to C Chris Iannetta ahead of Santana’s arrival, but Iannetta failed to catch the ball. Santana’s run tied the game and Ramirez moved to third on the error, scoring the go-ahead run on a sac fly.
Pitchers
Paxton (6 IP, 3 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 10 K) was much more effective that his eight-run first outing last week But it was his second loss in as many starts since being promoted from Triple-A.
Two-time minor league pitcher of the year Edwin Diaz made a memorable rookie debut with a perfect seventh inning.
Hitters
CF Norichika Aoki had the game’s lone RBI with a third-inning single. SS Ketel Marte returned from the DL and had a hit, scoring the only run.
Words
“I was really excited to see the steps Paxton made tonight. That’s the real James Paxton. He needs to step up, and he certainly answered the bell tonight.” — Mariners manager Scott Servais
“We probably caught a break when it looked like Santana might be out at the plate. That’s what happens when you’re aggressive and at least you have a chance.” — Indians manager Terry Francona
Noteworthy
The game was the first in MLB since Oct. 3 in which each team’s starting pitcher went at least six innings and allowed one or fewer earned runs while striking out at least 10 and walking one or fewer batters. In the previous game, Washington’s Max Scherzer no-hit the Mets with 17 strikeouts while Matt Harvey held the Nationals to one run over six innings . . . . Marte came off the 15-day disabled list before the game. To make room, the Mariners sent OF Stefen Romero back to Triple-A Tacoma. … The Indians announced RHP Danny Salazar would skip his Wednesday start because of shoulder soreness. RHP Carlos Carrasco, scheduled to start Tuesday, will move back a day to pitch Wednesday. RHP
Cody Anderson is expected to be recalled from Triple-A to make Tuesday’s start.
Next
LHP Wade Miley gets a chance to atone for his worst outing of the season in the series’ second game Tuesday night. The Indians will send Anderson (1-3, 6.81 ERA) to the mound. Miley (5-2, 5.85 ERA) was lit up for nine runs off 12 hits his last time out. Thanks to Seattle’s amazing, 16-13 comeback win, Miley still hasn’t been on the losing end of a decision since April 19.
8 Comments
Rough stretch of 10 games against hot teams. No interest in Lincecum? You have to believe they are going to need another starter in the next month or two. S.F. might willingly part with angry Peavy. What’s up with Danny Holstun?
Lincecum signed with the Angels weeks ago.
Hultzen was shut down in March at spring training. No new developments.
He was asking about ‘Danny Holstun’ though….
Solid game by Paxton. Been a long time since the M’s have had anyone throwing 100 MPH. So if they want to have Felix skip his next start as rumored things won’t be so bad. But Taijuan might have to look over his shoulder if Paxton keeps thins up.
Best case scenario is he only misses the next start, but rumor is he’ll need more time.
Walker has to get out of his own head, big time.