Mariners Game Recap: M’s Find their Groove Against Angels

Apr 29, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Fernando Rodney (56) reacts after recording the final out against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The Seattle Mariners (11-15) put an end to their 4-game losing skid on Monday night against the Los Angeles Angels (11-15). The M’s held on for a 3-2 win in the opener of the 3-game series. Felix Hernandez (5-0, 1.73 ERA) was brilliant, cruising to his 5th win of the season. Matt Shoemaker (2-2, 5.40 ERA) was nearly as impressive as the King, but ultimately took the loss. Fernando Rodney was shaky at best tonight, but managed to pick up his 8th save of the season.

Tonight’s game was the definition of a pitchers duel. However, the Mariners broke through in the top of the 7th. Nelson Cruz was named the American league Player of the Month in April, and after tonight’s game, he is the favorite to hold the title again in May. Cruz clubbed his 14th home run of the season to lead off the 7th for Seattle. Logan Morrison has been a hot hitter over the past 5 games, and he swatted a solo home run of his own in the 7th inning. LoMo’s dinger gave Seattle a 2-0 lead.

Matt Joyce cut the M’s lead in half in the home half of the 7th inning. Joyce yanked one of the few mistakes King Felix made over the wall in right field for a solo home run. Joyce’s homer made it a 2-1 game through 7 frames.

Seth Smith has mashed in his first month with the Mariners, and he added to the M’s lead in the top of the 8th. Smith crushed a Matt Shoemaker changeup over the high wall in right field. Smith’s home run was of the solo variety, and Seattle held a 3-1 lead in the 8th inning.

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The Mariners called on Fernando Rodney to shut the door with a 2-run lead in the bottom of the 9th inning. Rodney likes to make things interesting, and he certainly did that tonight. Kole Calhoun led off the final frame by driving a deep fly ball to right field that died just short of the wall for the first out. Rodney was not so lucky with David Freese. The Angels’ third baseman was gifted a fastball right down the middle, and Freese promptly deposited it into the right field seats. Freese’s blast shrunk the Mariners’ lead to 1, and gave the Halo faithful hope for a comeback.

Thankfully, Rodney was able to escape, and the Mariners held on for a 3-2 victory Monday night in Anaheim. The full box score can be found here.

Next: King Felix Hotter than Hades Against Angels