Jesse Winker’s grand slam gives Mariners a Sunday win and series split against Angels
By Charles Hamaker
Seattle, WA - The Seattle Mariners were able to complete a series split with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim thanks mostly in part to left fielder Jesse Winkers grand slam in the third inning of the game. Rebounding from an embarrassing result last night, the Mariners are able to salvage another frustrating series against the Angels and look ahead to perhaps a daunting set against the New York Yankees. On a bright, sunny summer Seattle day, the Mariners played to their potential a bit and were able to notch their 59th win of the 2022 season. Marco Gonzales was able to rebound from his bad outing last time around, giving the Mariners six solid innings on three earned runs.
Jesse Winkers grand slam would be the difference in Sunday’s win (Photo by Birdzeyeviewvisuals)
Winkermania
Left fielder Jesse Winker has certainly had his ups and downs for Seattle this season, but it is looking like Winker may have found a corner to turn. With Julio Rodriguez out and the playoff race beginning to heat up, Seattle getting consistent production out of Winker would be a god send. Winker mentioned that the trade may have been where his struggles this season began, as he had never been traded in his major league career and it was all new to him. He had set an expectation for himself, and he was not living up to it. Surely there were the moments, a walk off on a Sunday, homering twice in the day in the doubleheader against the Nationals, etc. But it just was not consistent for Winker, and that may be changing very soon.
The grand slam could be the crack that opens the flood gates for the left fielder, who historically has had his best months during August. Winker says that now, his game is about being part of a winning atmosphere that “all the guys that have been here have set.” Having players that hold themselves accountable, and that buy into the greater goal of what the team are chasing, are going to be key to getting to the postseason and ending the biggest playoff drought in North American sports.
Marco makes due
Starting pitcher Marco Gonzales has had his ups and downs throughout his Mariners career, but it always seems like Gonzales works his way back from whatever setback or poor performance he has. Whether it’s being told that his “stuff” and overall pitching is not sexy and is in fact boring, or tuning in to his “bulldog” persona. Marco is a local kid, having attended Gonzaga University, an innings eater, and has always seemingly showed out for the city of Seattle. All that being said, Gonzales led the Mariners in quality starts at a point in time, and it seems like he could get back to that form with this start.
Although he did give up the three earned runs to the Angels (who are still playing without superstar Mike Trout), Gonzales was efficient. Six innings pitched for the Mariners while only walking one batter and striking out seven. That last stat is unusual for Marco, who typically is not a strikeout pitcher and is someone who has gained a win this season despite not even having thrown a strikeout in the outing. With Luis Castillo added to the lineup it is crucial for every member of the rotation, including Gonzales, to maintain their form and give this team it’s best chance to make the postseason. It all begins with this rotation.
Star outfielder Julio Rodriguez is expected to return from injury on Wednesday (Photo by Birdzeyeviewvisuals)
Quick notes
Earlier in the day, INF Kevin Padlo, who had been designated for assignment previously, was claimed off of waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates
With the Jesse Winker grand slam, Seattle has now recorded a hit on 17 of 93 attempts with the bases loaded this season
Today’s attendance for the game was 34,837
The city of Seattle had three-home-games on the day, with 60,00 total fans attending the Seattle Storm, OL Reign, and Mariners games.
What’s next?
Next up, the Mariners will finish out their homestand against the 70 win New York Yankees. As you may know, Seattle defeated the Yankees in the last series the two teams played in just a week ago. With Marco Gonzales’ start in this game, the Mariners will now shuffle their rotation around due to the acquisition of Luis Castillo at the MLB trade deadline. The Mariners are likely to have young George Kirby effectively split innings with another starter, but that situation has not fully been fleshed out yet. Logan Gilbert will begin the new rotation for Seattle, facing off against Jameson Taillon for New York. First pitch is at 7:10PM PST for the Monday, August 8th game one. Circling Seattle Sports will be on site all series to provide coverage, so be sure to follow us on Twitter (@circlingsports), Instagram (@CirclingSeattleSports), and Facebook (Circling Seattle Sports).