Mariners Game Recap: M’s Lose 13-0 in Series Finale

The Houston Astros (36-28) blasted the Seattle Mariners (28-35) on Sunday, winning 13-0 to take the weekend 3-game series. The M’s received yet another swift kick to the gonads on Sunday, as fans were forced to endure their most pathetic effort of the season. Youngster, Lance McCullers (3-1, 2.00 ERA) held Seattle hitless through 5 innings en route to the victory. Roenis Elias (3-4, 3.67 ERA) was credited with his 4th loss of the season for the Mariners.

Roenis Elias was clobbered on Sunday, surrendering 8 runs on 7 hits across 3.1 innings. However, in defense of Elias, only 7 of the 8 runs were earned. The 26-year-old southpaw fanned 2 Astros and walked 4. Remarkably, he did not allow any home runs today despite the high total of runs. Elias threw 92 pitches in just over 3 innings, and looked embarrassed after Lloyd McClendon pulled him.

Unfortunately, the Mariners’ bullpen could not steady the ship. Danny Farquhar allowed a 2-run home run in 0.2 innings, and Charlie Furbush served up a solo blast in the 6th inning.  Shockingly, of the 6 pitchers Seattle used today, only Fernando Rodney did now allow a run. The M’s have very few rested arms available heading into their big 4-game series with the Giants, and I would not be surprised to see a few pitchers called up prior to first pitch on Monday night.

Jun 14, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter Nelson Cruz (23) reacts after striking out during the fourth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Lance McCullers looked like a seasoned vet on the mound today, hurling 5 no-hit innings against the M’s. McCullers struck out 4 and walked 4 in the outing. He struggled with his command, but managed to keep Seattle off the scoreboard. Tony Sipp, Joe Thatcher, Will Harris and Josh Fields each contributed a scoreless frame to keep the shutout in tact.

Not surprisingly, Seattle was able to generate little in the way of offense today. Austin Jackson‘s double in the 6th inning served as the M’s first hit of the game. AJ finished 1 for 3 with a walk in the loss. Kyle Seager was the only other Mariner to tally a hit this afternoon in Houston. Brad Miller showed great patience at the plate, nursing a pair of walks.

Evan Gattis led the way for the Astros, going 4 for 5 with 3 runs scored. Colby Rasmus also had a nice day, going 2 for 4 with a walk, 3 RBI’s and 2 runs scored. Veteran backstop, Hank Conger contributed 3 RBI’s to the Astros’ cause. Former Mariner, Luis Valbuena went 2 for 4 with a 2-run bomb. Every player in the Houston starting lineup reached base at least 1.

The Mariners’ season to date has been a colossal disappointment, and their inconsistency over the past 5 games has been nauseating. Seattle has scored 17 runs combined in their 2 wins, and they have been shutout in each of their 3 losses. Today’s showing was by far the worst, with 2 hits and 10 strikeouts as a team. I am having a hard time seeing the light at the end of the tunnel right now. If things do not change quickly, McClendon will looking for employment by the end of the month. This season has been a massive let down thus far, and someone is going to have to pay the price.

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The Mariners remain in 4th place in the American League West despite the loss today. However, Seattle now trails the division leading Houston Astros by 7.5 games.

The Seattle Mariners (28-35) will now head west to take on the defending World Series Champion, San Francisco Giants (34-29). First pitch is set for 7:15 from AT&T Park tomorrow night. The timing could not be worse for Seattle, as not only are they playing their worst baseball of the season, but their bullpen is also exhausted after pitching 16.1 innings over the past 3 days. Taijuan Walker (3-6, 5.40 ERA) has been electric his last 3 times out, and hopefully he can shut down the Giants in the series opener. Veteran right-hander, Tim Hudson (4-5, 4.60 ERA) will toe the rubber for San Francisco on Monday night. Root Sports Northwest will carry the game live locally, and MLB.tv subscribers can watch on connected devices.

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