Mariners Game Recap: M’s Display Power but Defense Falters

Felix Hernandez is not sharp this afternoon and the Mariners offense flexes some muscle but its not quite enough  to beat the Texas Rangers on Opening Day.

The Seattle Mariners (0-1) lost to the Texas Rangers (1-0) 3-2 Monday afternoon in Arlington Texas on Opening Day 2016. Cole Hamels (1-0 2.57 ERA) got the win for the Rangers and Felix Hernandez (0-1 1.50 ERA) was nabbed for the loss.  Shawn Tolleson (SV, 1) closed out the Mariners with a 1-2-3 ninth inning to earn his first save of the season.

Felix Hernandez was not sharp this afternoon.  He hit a batter and walked 5 Texas Rangers.  The King pitched 6 innings giving up only 1 base hit, a bloop single in the fifth inning.  But in the fifth inning the hit, 3 walks and two errors in the field by Kyle Seager and Ketel Marte enabled the Rangers to get some runs on the board and take the lead 3-2.  Felix’s line is a bit strange as he gave up 3 runs and only 1 of them earned and gave up 5 walks and 6 strikeouts for a 1.50 ERA.  Mike Montgomery had a stellar 2 inning relief outing striking out 4 and giving up no walks, no hits and no runs.  Such a shame that the Mariners couldn’t win a game in which the pitchers allowed only one hit, a bloop single by Prince Fielder.

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The Mariners offense would come out swinging early against Cole Hamels to give the Mariners the early lead.  Robinson Cano’s first at bat with two outs in the first was a laser beam home run to right field.  In the second inning Kyle Seager would deposit his home run just over the 407 foot sign in right center field.  But Hamels would settle down and contain the Mariners through seven innings to earn the win.  In 7 innings, Hamels gave up 4 hits, 2 runs on 2 home runs and 2 walks and 8 strikeouts for a 2.57 ERA.

Aside from the two home runs, the best offensive day from the Mariners hitters came from the catching position and Chris Iannetta.  Iannetta would get two singles and a walk in the game.  If this team can continue to get that kind of offensive production from the catching position that can only mean good things to come.

Losing the first game isn’t ideal, but it’s only one game in 162.  This team is built for the long haul and not just for one game.  Let’s just enjoy that baseball is back.  It was a beautiful 84 degree day in Arlington this afternoon and the Mariners played a real baseball game.  It is a beautiful thing.

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The Seattle Mariners (0-1) will take on the Texas Rangers (1-0) at Global Life Park in Arlington, Texas, tomorrow evening.  First pitch is scheduled for 5:05 pm from Arlington.  Hisashi Iwakuma (0-0 0.00 ERA) will take the mound for the Mariners and Martin Perez (0-0 0.00 ERA) will take the ball for the Rangers.  The Mariners will look to get back to .500.

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The game will be broadcast on Root Sports and be streamed on MLB.tv.  For fans in the Pacific Northwest the game will also be broadcast on 710 ESPN Radio.  Go Mariners!