Mariners Game Recap: M’s beat Angels in Series Opener

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102. 10. 62. Final. 1

The Seattle Mariners (70-75) obliterated the Los Angeles Angels (72-71), 10-1 on Monday night in front of an empty house. Only 13,681 fans witnessed the beatdown at Safeco Field tonight, but those that showed up left very happy. Taijuan Walker (11-8, 4.56 ERA) earned the win for Seattle after dominating the Angels for 7 innings. Garrett Richards (13-11, 3.81 ERA) took the loss for the visitors.

The Halos got the scoring started in the top of the 2nd inning, plating a run to take a 1-0 lead. However, the Angels’ lead was short-lived, as the Mariners stormed back for 3 runs in the home half of the 2nd inning. Seattle added another run in the 5th to make it a 4-1 game. The M’s exploded for 6 more runs in the 7th to extend their lead to 9 runs.

Sep 14, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Taijuan Walker (32) throws against the Los Angeles Angels during the third inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Taijuan Walker was very effective tonight for Seattle, allowing 1 run on 4 hits through 7 innings of work. The 23-year-old right-hander struck out 7 and walked 0 en route to earning his 11th win of the season. For a power pitcher, Walker does an amazing job of keeping his pitches in the strike zone. He has a very bright future ahead of him.

Danny Farquhar entered the game in the 8th inning, and came through with a perfect frame. Rob Rasmussen was called on to close the door in the 9th with a 9 run lead, and the southpaw got the job done.

It was the Seth Smith show for Seattle on Monday night. The veteran outfielder went 2 for 5 with a double, a home run and 3 RBI. Smith had a bit of rough time last week, and it is nice to see him start the new week on such a high note. Robinson Cano had a nice night as well, going 2 for 3 with a double, a walk and a pair of RBI. Mark Trumbo is as hot as anyone in baseball right now, and he finished 2 for 4 with a double and 1 RBI. Shawn O’Malley contributed a pair of hits and plated a run for the Mariners.

Garrett Richards is the Angels’ ace, but you never would have guessed it based on his showing tonight. The 27-year-old right-hander allowed 4 runs on 5 hits across 5 innings. Richards fanned 6 and issued 4 free passes in the losing effort. Wesley Wright and Mike Morin baffled the M’s with alliteration, and combined to pitch a perfect 6th inning for LA. Cory Rasmus came on in the 7th and was lit up, allowing 5 runs on 4 hits in 0.2 innings. Cesar Ramos replaced Rasmus, and surrendered another run. Cam Bedrosian hurled a scoreless 8th.

The Halos had a terrible time generating any kind of offense tonight. Mike Trout was the standout, going 2 for 3. Trout is having a stellar season, but I do not anticipate he will retain his title as the Amercian League MVP. David Murphy, C.J. Cron and Collin Cowgill had the other Angels’ hits. Los Angeles plated their lone run of the game when Erick Aybar grounded into a double play.

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Seattle is now just 7.5 games behind the American League West leading Houston Astros. The Mariners kept pace in the wildcard race, as they remain 7 games out.

The Seattle Mariners (70-75) will battle the Los Angeles Angels (72-71) again on Tuesday night at Safeco Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 pm from the corner of Edgar & Dave. Felix Hernandez (17-8, 3.49 ERA) will be on the bump for the Mariners, and Nick Tropeano (1-2, 5.66 ERA) will toe the rubber for the Halos. Root Sports Northwest will carry the game live locally, and MLB.tv subscribers can watch worldwide on connected devices.

Next: Mariners Weekly Rundown: Who's Hot & Who's Not

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