Mariners become too reliant on long ball, fall to Guardians on day Ichiro is inducted into team HOF
By Charles Hamaker
Seattle, WA – The Seattle Mariners bats continue to remain generally quiet, as the Mariners only put up three hits on the night. Seattle would fall to the Cleveland Guardians 4-3 on the same night that legendary outfielder Ichiro Suzuki was induced into the Mariners Hall of fame. The Mariners blew a chance to take the first overall Wild card spot in the American League as the Tampa Bay Rays and Toronto Blue Jays both lost today. While there is still plenty of season left and the Mariners remain a half game out of first place, Seattle needs to be able to find a rhythm offensively and produce more.
Ichiro gives his speech during the induction ceremony (Photo by Liv Lyons)
Ichiro immortal
Baseball legend and icon Ichiro Suzuki was honored pregame, becoming the tenth member of the Mariners Hall of fame. Suzuki is a once in a lifetime talent, from becoming the first Japanese born position player in major league baseball, to having the most hits in all of baseball history. On the mount Rushmore of Mariners history, there will never be another Ichiro, and his legend continues to grow. Even as an “assistant to the chairman,” Ichiro remains in the Mariners organization, spending time with the current team often.
Ichiro and Ken Griffey Jr share a special bond, which could be seen throughout the ceremony (Photos by Liv Lyons)
Ichiro is a prime example of the word excellence, and displays the love many former players have for the Seattle organization. Suzuki, despite being long since retired and nearing 50, continues to work out with the team. He remains around the ball club, helping players such as his friend Julio Rodriguez. Many players still have roles within the organization, and Suzuki seemed to sum up some reasons why in his speech
“Baseball and Seattle have never left my heart... Most days during the season I wear a Mariners uniform, and I do so proudly. I want to be with you in your fight to be the best... To the outstanding fans of Seattle: You cheered loudly for me as a new player that first game 21-years ago, and you have never stopped. When I returned here in 2018, it was if I had never left.”
Superstar center fielder Julio Rodriguez and Ichiro have also sparked a friendship (Photo by Liv Lyons)
Banking on the big ones, and other offensive issues
The Mariners have become far too reliant on the long ball as of late, and that was incredibly apparent in this game. Seattle's three hits were all solo home runs, and that was hit. Nobody all reached base, no walks. Not a single base hit or walk, just three homers. Good ballclubs can play small ball and find runs to drive runs in. Seattle became the first team in the modern era to hit three or more homers in a game, but have no other baserunners.
These offensive issues are holding you back, and despite currently being in a wild card spot, you are in danger of losing it. The Baltimore Orioles continue to keep pace with you, plus you remain in a tight race with the Blue Jays and Rays. Your pitching and defense continue to shoulder nearly the entire load, and recently your bats are way too quiet. You will need more production from Ty France, JP Crawford, Cal Raleigh, amongst others going forward.
Seattle hit three solo homers last night, and they would be the only hits for the Mariners (Photos by Liv Lyons)
Another quality outing by Luis
Seattle starter Luis Castillo had his fourth quality start in his fifth appearance as a Mariner, it’s just disappointing that the Mariners could not get him the win. The Mariners ace went six innings, allowed only four hits, and one earned run. Just like in the outings recently by George Kirby, Marco Gonzales, and Logan Gilbert, these minimal runs are perfectly serviceable in today's game.
Castillo got in a few jams, but was able to maneuver out of them and keep the damage to a minimum. He has been everything that Seattle could have hoped for when the club traded for him, and knowing that Castillo is all in on this teams winning chances is excellent. All the Mariners need to do now is given him run support.
Luis Castillo served up another quality start (Photo by Liv Lyons)
Quick notes
Seattle starting pitchers own a 2.77 ERA with just eleven walks and 68 strikeouts over the past 11 games.
Julio Rodriguez becomes the first Mariners player to reach 200+ total bases in his first career games since Ichiro Suzuki back in 2001
Every member of the Mariners Hall of fame was in attendance for Ichiro’s ceremony except for Randy Johnson and Lou Pinella.
Tonight, is the first game that the Mariners have lost this season when leading heading into the eighth inning.
Andres Munoz gave up three runs in the top of the 8th (Photo by Liv Lyons)
What’s next?
The series between Seattle and Cleveland ends tomorrow in game four. The Mariners will look to win the series as they currently have two games to one advantage, but Seattle needs to find some sort of rhythm offensively. Robbie Ray will take the mound for Seattle, and the Mariners should have a good chance today as Ray has been excellent since he began heavily throwing his sinker. Aaron Civale will get the start for Cleveland.