Mariners Game Recap: M’s Waste Roenis Elias’ Gem

The Seattle Mariners (24-30) failed to capitalize on their opportunities tonight, and lost 2-1 to the Tampa Bay Rays (29-26) in the series opener. Former Mariner Erasmo Ramirez (4-2, 5.10 ERA) was credited with the win, and Roenis Elias (2-3, 2.94 ERA) took the hard luck loss for Seattle. Kevin Jepsen earned his 2nd save of the season after shutting the door in the 9th inning.

Roenis Elias was brilliant on Thursday night in Seattle. The 26-year-old southpaw allowed 2 runs on 5 hits across 8.0 innings of work. Elias fanned 6 Rays and walked 1 in his best outing of the season. His arsenal of pitches was nearly unhittable this evening, and 64 of his 99 pitches found the strike zone. Elias has now allowed 3 runs or less in 7 of his 8 starts this season, and tonight’s gem lowered his ERA to 2.94.

Erasmo Ramirez was triumphant his return to his old stomping grounds. Ramirez shut down his former club, allowing 1 run on 7 hits across 5.1 innings. He was far from dominant, but managed to strikeout 5 tonight. The 25-year-old right-hander struggled with his command throughout his tenure in Seattle, but had no such difficulties tonight, issuing just 1 free pass.

The Rays’ bullpen came through with 3.2 shutout innings tonight to preserve their slim lead. Brandon Gomes led the way, pitching 1.1 innings of 1 hit ball while striking out 1. Kevin Jepsen did a nice job dancing out of trouble in the 9th. The hard throwing right-hander allowed a leadoff walk, but retired the next 3 Mariners in order to earn the save.

Jun 4, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners first baseman Mark Trumbo (35) watches the play at the plate after getting his first hit as a Mariner in the second inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

Will Seattle’s offensive struggles ever end? I doubt it. The M’s collected 10 hits tonight, but pushed across just 1 run. They combined to strand 10 base runners, and went 1 for 11 with runners in scoring position. Mark Trumbo performed well in his Mariners’ debut on Thursday night. Trumbo went 2 for 4 with a pair of singles. However, the 29-year-old did strike out twice on 3 pitches. Austin Jackson is having a great week at the dish. AJ had a 4-hit night recently, and went 2 for 5 tonight. Dustin Ackley had a good game, going 1 for 3 with a run scored. The AckAttack also laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt in the 9th to put the tying run in scoring position.

Robinson Cano showed signs of life at plate, contributing 2 hits and the M’s lone RBI. Robby played better, but a couple of key mistakes marred an otherwise productive night. Cano was picked off first base in the 5th when he inexplicably got caught glancing into center field as he took his lead. He also struck out with the tying run at second base to end the game in the 9th. It was encouraging to see him tally 2 hits, but his mental miscues cost the Mariners tonight.

The Rays struggled to get anything going with the sticks tonight, but a 2-run 4th inning proved to be enough. Joey Butler led off the frame with a single to right field. Following an Evan Longoria ground out, Elias hit Logan Forsythe. The Rays pulled off a double steal to put runners on second and third with only 1 out. Steven Souza singled on ground ball to center field to plate Butler, and Forsythe scored on a Jake Elmore force out.

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The M’s have now lost 6 games in a row, and 7 of their last 8. Seattle continues to plummet in the American  League West standings, and now sit in 4th place, 9.5 games back of the division leading Houston Astros.

The Seattle Mariners (24-30) will look to put an end to their 6-game skid on Friday night against the Tampa Bay Rays (29-26) at Safeco Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 pm from the corner of Edgar & Dave. J.A. Happ (3-1, 3.70 ERA) will be tasked with evening the series for the Mariners, and the Rays will counter with Jake Odorizzi (4-5, 2.61 ERA). Root Sports Northwest will carry the game live, and MLB.tv subscribers can watch on connected devices.

Next: Mark Trumbo to Make M's Debut on Thursday Night

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