Seattle Mariners Game Recap: King Felix Fans 12 in Win

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Apr 18, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners first baseman Logan Morrison (20) and pitcher Fernando Rodney (56) watch Rodney

Final. 1. 126. 3. 62

The Seattle Mariners (4-7) snapped their 4-game losing streak Saturday night at Safeco Field against the Texas Rangers (5-7). Felix Hernandez (2-0, 2.37 ERA) earned his second victory of the season tonight after hurling 7 innings of 1 run ball. Colby Lewis (1-1, 3.79 ERA) did a nice job of avoiding the big inning Saturday night, but suffered his first loss of the season. Fernando Rodney pitched a perfect 9th inning to pick up his third save of the year.

This game remained scoreless through the first 3 innings tonight, but the Mariners broke through in the bottom of the 4th. Robinson Cano hit a 1-out single to center field. Nelson Cruz poked a weak ground ball into right field for a single. Cano hustled around to third base on Cruz’s single. Kyle Seager walked to load the bases, and Seth Smith got the M’s on the scoreboard by hitting a sacrifice fly to right field. Seattle held a 1-0 lead after 4 innings.

The Rangers tied the game in the top of the 5th. Jake Smolinski showed off some serious acting chops tonight in Seattle. After a Rougned Odor fly out, Smolinski was apparently hit by a pitch in the hand. Mariners’ skipper Lloyd McClendon challenged the call on the field, and the replay cleared showed the ball hit the bat rather than the batter. However, the umpires went with the original call, and Smolinski was awarded first base. Smolinski made it to third base on a Leonys Martin single to center field. Texas knotted the game at 1 on an Elvis Andrus ground out to shortstop Brad Miller.

Felix Hernandez was emotional as he walked back to the dugout after the blown call led to a run in the 5th inning, but his battery mate gave the M’s the lead in the bottom of the inning. Mike Zunino has gotten off to a slow start this season, but tonight he launched a leadoff solo home run. Zunino’s blast cleared the bullpens in left field, and ended up in the second deck. The solo shot gave the Mariners a 2-1 lead after 5.

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Seattle made it 3 consecutive innings with a run scored in the bottom of the 6th. Kyle Seager led off the frame with a ringing double to right field. After Seth Smith flied out and Logan Morrison grounded out, Brad Miller laced an RBI triple down the right field line. The Rangers bleeped the relay, and Miller would have had an inside the park home run had third base coach Rich Donnelly been paying attention. Seattle led 3-1 after 6 innings.

Fernando Rodney was awful over his last 2 outings, but he came through with a stress free 9th inning on Saturday night in Seattle. The M’s held on for a 3-1 victory to even the 3-game series at 1.

The full box score can be found here.

Next: King Felix Dazzles on Bobblehead Night

Apr 18, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; 8-year-old Drew Finnegan, of Seattle, holds his Seattle Mariners pitcher Felix Hernandez (34) bobble head before the start of a game against the Texas Rangers at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

King Felix Dazzles on Bobblehead Night

Felix Hernandez was in fine form tonight in front of his loyal subjects in King’s Court. Hernandez allowed 1 run on 2 hits across 7 innings. King Felix struck out a season high 12 batters, and walked just 2. He did plunk a pair of Rangers, but his command was generally good on Saturday.

The Mariners’ ace had to leave his last start due to ankle and quad issues, so it was reassuring to see him dominate tonight. He did seem to be limping at times this evening, but it must not have been serious since Hernandez remained in the game. King Felix is expected to play a vital role in the M’s success in 2015, and thus far he has not disappointed.

Felix Hernandez will get the ball next when the Mariners take on the Minnesota Twins next Friday at Safeco Field.

Next: Crazy Legs Infuriates and Impresses in Win

Apr 18, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners shortstop Brad Miller (5) is safe a third after hitting a RBI triple in the sixth inning against the Texas Rangers at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

Crazy Legs Infuriates and Impresses in Win

Brad Miller had a very nice night offensively for the M’s. Miller went 2 for 4 with a single, triple, stolen base and an RBI. He also made some nice plays at short for Seattle. The 25-year-old did some great things tonight, but he also struck out looking with the bases loaded.

Crazy Legs is one of the more polarizing players on the 2015 Mariners. Miller is gifted player offensively, but his inconsistency turns some people off. I personally think Miller has All Star potential, and he always seems to come through with the game on the line.

What Miller does well far outweighs his deficiencies. I think Brad Miller is the Mariners best option up the middle regardless of Chris Taylor’s health. There is something about the way eh plays the game that shouts starting shortstop to me.

Next: Looking Ahead

Apr 13, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Seattle Mariners starter James Paxton (65) delivers a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers in an interleague game at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Looking Ahead

The Seattle Mariners (4-7) will host the Texas Rangers (5-7) in the rubber match of their 3-game series Sunday afternoon at Safeco Field. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 pm from the corner of Edgar and Dave. James Paxton (0-1, 5.11 ERA) will toe rubber for the Mariners as he attempts to pick up his first win of the new season. Ross Detwiler (0-2, 9.00 ERA) will start for the Rangers in the series finale. Tomorrow’s game will be broadcast live on Root Sports Northwest, and MLB.tv subscribers can watch on connected devices.

Next: 5 Possible Replacements for Mariners’ Closer Fernando Rodney

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