Mariners rally late to win game two and the series against Texas Rangers
By Bel Garcia
Seattle, WA - Julio Rodriguez missed the series against the Houston Astros after his first All-Star appearance with a sore wrist. It was adrenaline that pushed him through the Home Run Derby and the All-Star game, as he felt discomfort in the Texas Rangers series before the eventful weekend. We were all left to wonder when Julio would really make it back to the lineup as the Mariners pulled out a win against the Rangers in the first game of the series without him. The All-Star rookie made his appearance in the leadoff spot for tonight’s second game of the Texas Rangers series. If you were worried about his wrist, be calm, as J-ROD homered on his first at bat, a solo home run to get the Mariners on the board.
Julio Rodriguez smiles after his homer in his first at bat back from injury (Photo by Mat Bermudez)
Pitching Match Up
George Kirby was on the bump to start this one, as he executed well through five innings pitched. Manager Scott Servais did comment on how much time Kirby may have on the mound tonight, stating that they would be easing him back into it and may not go more than four innings. Based on Kirby’s performance it was no surprise that he pitched one more inning than anticipated, the best way to describe those innings would be by the score of the game when he was relieved, 2-0, five shutout innings. He was relieved by Matt Festa in the top of the sixth, ending the night with 2 hits, 1 walk, and 4 strikeout, a total of 50 pitches.
Texas Rangers pitcher Dane Dunning gave up two runs in the first inning, but he quickly redeemed himself keeping the Mariners scoreless for the next four innings. Dunning was placed on the IL on July 11th, and spent the last two weeks nursing an ankle before making his pitching start tonight. The night could have been a lot worse for the Rangers, but he kept them in the ballgame until he was relieved in the bottom of the sixth. Dunning ended the night with 4 hits, 2 runs, 2 earned runs, 3 walks, 5 strikeouts and 1 homerun on a total of 85 pitches.
George Kirby looked great in his first game back since being temporarily sent to AAA Tacoma (Photo by Mat Bermudez)
Ms Raleigh late for the win
It became a tight game in the seventh inning when Adolis Garcia started the comeback for Texas. Garcia scored a run off of a Nathaniel Lowe single, cutting the Mariners lead to one. Cal Raleigh responded to that with a solo homer to increase the lead to two again. In the top of the eighth Garcia doubled on a ground ball, scoring teammates Corey Seager and Charlie Culberson, tying the game at three. In the top of the ninth Ezequiel Duran singled on a line drive that was just out of Sam Haggerty’s reach, scoring Leody Taveras and giving the Rangers a one run lead. No sweat for the Mariners, as they ended this one in the bottom of the 9th. Cal Raleigh doubled to right field scoring JP Crawford to begin the inning. Julio Rodriguez and Ty France were intentionally walked. With the bases loaded, veteran Carlos Santana got the job done on a game winning sacrifice fly, scoring Raleigh. Raleigh ended the night with the walk-off winning run, a solo home run, and 2 RBI.
Carlos Santana hits the game winning sacrifice fly (Photo by Mat Bermudez)
Seattle will attempt to sweep the Rangers in tomorrow’s matinee game before heading back to Houston for their next series. The Mariners look to keep their momentum going, and end the homestand on a high note. Starter Marco Gonzales will take the mound for Seattle, while Jon Gray gets the start for the Rangers.