Mariners Game Recap: Elias Pitches Well, but M’s Lose Again

Apr 26, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon (left) argues with home plate umpire Sean Barber after getting ejected in the fourth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

Mariners Finish Home Stand with a record of 4-5

Seattle played noticeably better during their 9-game home stand, but they are still no where near where they need to be. Thus far in 2015, it seems the M’s either receive a strong performance from their pitching staff or a strong showing from their offense, but never both. The Mariners had the go-ahead run in scoring position in 4 of the last 7 innings today, but they failed to pull ahead.

Skipper Lloyd McClendon has been trying to get tossed for the last week, and today it finally happened. In an effort to spark his club, McClendon laughably began arguing balls and strikes with home plate umpire Sean Barber on his way back to the dugout following a mound visit in the top of the 4th inning. McClendon’s ejection seemed to rally the troops, as the M’s tied the game in the bottom of the 4th. However, the move reeked of desperation to me. Nothing else says, “I don’t know what else to do,” better than a Manager purposely getting himself ejected from a game.

The Mariners are about to embark on a 10-game road trip, and they need to rediscover the formula that allowed them to win 87 games in 2014.

Next: Looking Ahead