Seattle Mariners Game Recap: M’s Avoid Sweep with 3-2 Win

Apr 22, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon (23) greets right fielder Nelson Cruz (23) following a 3-2 victory against the Houston Astros at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

The Mariners get back to Winning Formula

The M’s won 87 games in 2014 largely due to their incredible pitching staff. The M’s combined ERA last season was a paltry 3.17, and the missing link was thought to be a more productive offense. Seattle went out and inked Nelson Cruz to a big free agent deal this winter, and his impact on the M’s offense has been enormous this season. However, the pitching has been awful, and the team has had a hard time winning games.

The Mariners looked like the club everyone hoped they would be tonight. J.A. Happ was brilliant, and the M’s received timely contributions with the stick. Yoervis Medina and Fernando Rodney were far from perfect, but ultimately got the job done. This is the style Seattle needs to get back to playing. Without consistent starting pitching, the M’s will not be in the postseason this fall. Taijuan Walker look much improved last night and Felix Hernandez goes on Friday, so hopefully things are getting back to normal.

Next: Looking Ahead