By the numbers: Mariners’ seven-game losing streak

After a disappointing 9-5 loss to Texas Friday night, the Mariners’ losing streak has reached 7. Now at 20-28, the season appears to be slipping slowly away. Rather than discuss how they could improve, let’s take a look at the horror of a losing streak at a glance through some key numbers.

Joe Saunders made two poor starts in the streak. David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

34 – The Mariners run deficit over the past seven losses. They’ve been beaten in pretty much every way imaginable. Three walkoffs, two shutouts, and a few complete drubbings.

23 – The Mariners run deficit since leaving Cleveland. The Angels solidly demolished the M’s in two games (Seattle scored one run) and the Rangers handled them at Safeco last night. So how did the Mariners respond to their worst series of the year? About as badly as they possibly could have.

5 – The lowest run total of any Mariner opponent in the streak, from Cleveland’s walkoff win last Saturday. The Mariners pitching has been horrendous in the streak, both starters and bullpen and sometimes both at once (see Tuesday’s 12-0 loss to the Angels).

1 – Quality starts by Mariners pitchers in the seven-game skid. Brandon Maurer delivered it in the 6-3 loss to the Indians that started the streak last Friday. Of course, Maurer also posted a complete stinker on Tuesday which pretty much made up for it.

7 – Mariners home runs in the losing streak. Not a horrible number, but they don’t have one since the final game in Cleveland. That’s what going nearly scoreless in Anaheim will do to a team.

.227 – Batting average of Mariners centerfielder Michael Saunders after a hitless night in the leadoff spot Friday. Before the losing streak began, Saunders was hitting .262. He should lose his leadoff spot soon if nothing changes.

.287 – Batting average of the Mariners leading hitter, Kendrys Morales, who has raised his average 19 points in the streak and developed into a legit middle of the order bat.

53 – Points by which Brendan Ryan has increased his batting average in the losing streak, getting him over the Mendoza line (.202) last night for the first time since April 13.

Some of these numbers are good, most bad. One thing is clear: the Mariners need to win and do it soon. Otherwise, the season will be lost.