ARLINGTON, Aug 19th- The Seattle Mariners beat the Texas Rangers 9-8 in 11 innings to complete the sweep. A game that was confidently in the Mariner’s hands Thursday turned drastically when the Mariners gave up five runs in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game at seven, forcing extra innings. According to Rangers announcer Dave Raymond, the last time the Rangers scored 5 or more in the 9th inning to tie or take the lead in a game was 1997. The Mariners broke that statistic. As wild as the game was with the Mariners giving up the lead, they leave Arlington with a win in extra innings to inch even closer to a wild card spot.
Opposite Play for the Mariners
The Mariners did not play a typical 2021 game like fans are used to. Usually, it is excellent pitching and subpar hitting. This typically results in a low-scoring, but close game. It still ended up being a close game in the end, but not how one would expect. There were plenty of runs scored by the Mariners today and a collapse by the bullpen late in the game.
The Mariners started hot at the plate. They scored two runs in the first, three in the second, and one in the third to take a commanding lead. This has been a style of play shown by the Mariners of late. Scoring early, then cooling off. In the series against the Toronto Blue Jays, the lineup did the same thing. They would score a few runs early, none in the middle portion of the game, and then score again in the later innings. The Mariners once again got to the opposing pitcher early. They were up 6-0 by the end of the third inning.
It was a rather opposite day for the Mariners. Between the offensive production early on to an unorthodox bullpen collapse. Thankfully, the bats picked a great day to come alive, as the Mariners would need them to secure another much-needed victory.
Castillo Crumbles in the Ninth, Gives Up Lead
Diego Castillo has not pitched how the Mariners would like him to since his acquisition at the deadline. That carried on in Thursday’s game. Castillo acquired a tough situation when Anthony Misiewicz gave up three straight hits to start the bottom of the ninth. Castillo did not have much luck either, dealing with the troubling situation Misiewicz left behind and struggles of his own. A walk, wild pitch, and a three-run home run later, the Mariners saw their substantial lead diminish to nothing.
Castillo was brought on to pitch in the big innings. So far, he has shown flashes of power on the mound. However, he also has shown struggles with command and getting the job done. In his last seven games, he has recorded a 3.68 ERA in only 7 1/3 innings pitched. Granted only three runs in that time were earned, including two on Thursday’s game, he has not been sharp like he is expected to be.
In the previous nine games heading into today, the Mariner’s pitching staff has only given up 22 runs. That is an average of 2.44 runs per game, which is well below the league average. The lowest team average this season goes to the Pittsburgh Pirates with 3.56 runs scored per game. The Mariners are well outperforming on the pitching front lately, as well as all season. However, when a pitcher like Castillo is trusted with holding the lead and does not, that is a blow to the confidence of not only him, but the whole team. Thankfully Castillo’s outing didn’t hurt the team too much. The Mariners secured the win in extra innings thanks to Ty France’s two-run home run in the 11th.
What’s Next
The Mariners will continue their road trip with another division rival, the Houston Astros. These games are once again pivotal for the Mariners to gain ground in the postseason race. Mariners all-star Yusei Kikuchi will go against Lance McCullers Jr. in what is sure to be a great pitching matchup. The game time is at 5:10 pm PST on Friday at Minute Maid Park in Houston.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
Players Mentioned:
Diego Castillo, Anthony Misiewicz, Ty France, Yusei Kikuchi, Lance McCullers Jr.
