Yankees pound Mariners in game one of series
By Charles Hamaker
Seattle, WA – In similar fashion to their series opening game against the Yankees in New York a week from today, the Seattle Mariners were bombarded by the Bronx Bombers. The Yankees would take game one by a score of 9-4, as New York got after Seattle's sophomore starter Logan Gilbert early and often. Gilbert would fail to get out of the fifth inning, the first time that has happened this season.
The Mariners infield meets with manager Scott Servais during a pitching change (Photo by Mathew Bermudez)
Gilbert gets shelled
Starter Logan Gilbert has been having an excellent sophomore season, but his last two starts have been poor. Both of them have come against the Yankees, as Gilbert has given up 13 earned runs in those last two starts. It’s been a much different few outings against New York for Gilbert, who one-hit the Yankees last year in a matchup at T-Mobile Park.
Gilbert has been able to find great success with his off-speed pitches while mixing in his dominating fast ball, but today is just seemed like nothing was working for Gilbert consistently. It’s discouraging to see, but at the same time the Yankees have one of the best lineups in baseball and a heavy MVP candidate in Aaron Judge.
Logan Gilbert failed to get out of the fourth inning in the game (Photo by Mathew Bermudez)
Haniger continues to produce off the IL
Outfielder Mitch Haniger has returned to the form that Mariners fans are used to since returning from the 60-day injured list. Haniger is a player that became a fan favorite for his 5-tool play at times, and his clutch game 161 single last season that gave the Mariners a win that got them as close to the playoffs that they have been since 2001.
Haniger was the brightest spot in the Mariners lineup tonight, racking up three hits, two runs, and driving in one run. Since returning from injury, Haniger has a three-game hitting streak taking place and in total has a five-game hitting streak taking place. Getting Hanigers production back in this Mariners lineup will be another crucial puzzle piece to “ending this drought.”
Mitch Haniger rounds the bases following his solo homer (Photo by Mathew Bermudez)
Rest of offense remains stagnant
Outside of players like Haniger and Cal Raleigh (solo homer), the Mariners did not get enough out of their other batters tonight. Six batters in the lineup tonight did not contribute anything to the game (no hits, no runs, no RBI’s) and that simply cannot keep happening. Granted that this number includes pinch hitters and injury replacements (Jake Lamb came in for Jesse Winker who left with back spasms, and Kyle Lewis pinch hit for Lamb), but you will need more production if you want to keep up your Wild card spot.
Eugenio Suarez’s bat split in half during an early plate appearance (Photo by Mathew Bermudez)
Quick notes
The Mariners are now 17-94 this season with the bases loaded
Left fielder Jesse Winker left the game with back spasms in the 5th inning
Outfielder Kyle Lewis is 0-13 with ten strikeouts.
Center fielder Julio Rodriguez says that his right wrist is still feeling it when the bat vibrates, but he has not been ruled out for Wednesday just yet. The team will wait to see how he responds to more swings.
What’s next?
The Mariners will look to bounce back in game two of the series tomorrow, August 9th with a first pitch time of 7:10PM PST. Newly acquired starter Luis Castillo will get his first start in T-Mobile Park, facing off against Gerrit Cole. Last time the two faced off (last week), Gerrit Cole gave up three homers in the first inning to Seattle.