Mariners Game Recap: Slugging M’s fall to Dodgers in Extras

Sep 23, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Dominic Leone (52) throws a pitch during the fifth inning in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. The Toronto Blue Jays won 10-2. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

The M’s Bullpen Needs a Rest

The Mariners have gone to extra innings in 3 consecutive games, and the bullpen is paying the price. Lloyd McClendon announced prior to the game that Fernando Rodney, Yoervis Medina and Danny Farquhar would be unavailable tonight. Factor in Tom Wilhelmsen being put on the DL, and the M’s bullpen was pretty thin tonight.

Apr 13, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Seattle Mariners reliever Tyler Olson (66) delivers a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers in an interleague game at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers defeated the Mariners 6-5 in 10 innings. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Dominic Leone was called up to fill Wilhelmsen’s spot on the roster, and he was put to work immediately. Leone was the only fresh arm in the M’s pen, and McClendon rode the young right-hander for multiple innings late in tonight’s game. Leone was brilliant in the 8th and 9th innings, retiring the first 6 hitters he faced. However, the 10th inning did not go according to plan. Overall, it was a fantastic outing from the 22-year-old. Pitching 3 innings is difficult for any reliever, but Leone fared remarkably well despite taking the loss.

Tyler Olson was called on to pitch with the bases loaded and 1 out in the bottom of the 10th inning. The rookie southpaw made veteran outfielder Carl Crawford look silly, striking out the former All Star to record the second out. But, it was not meant to be for the Gonzaga alum, as he surrendered the game winning single after getting ahead of Alex Guerrero early in the count.

The Bullpen needs a break. A strong outing from Hisashi Iwakuma would do wonders for the beleaguered Mariners’ relievers.

Next: Looking Ahead