Mariners Game Recap: M’s Find their Groove Against Angels

Apr 29, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Fernando Rodney (56) reacts after recording the final out against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The Seattle Mariners (11-15) put an end to their 4-game losing skid on Monday night against the Los Angeles Angels (11-15). The M’s held on for a 3-2 win in the opener of the 3-game series. Felix Hernandez (5-0, 1.73 ERA) was brilliant, cruising to his 5th win of the season. Matt Shoemaker (2-2, 5.40 ERA) was nearly as impressive as the King, but ultimately took the loss. Fernando Rodney was shaky at best tonight, but managed to pick up his 8th save of the season.

Tonight’s game was the definition of a pitchers duel. However, the Mariners broke through in the top of the 7th. Nelson Cruz was named the American league Player of the Month in April, and after tonight’s game, he is the favorite to hold the title again in May. Cruz clubbed his 14th home run of the season to lead off the 7th for Seattle. Logan Morrison has been a hot hitter over the past 5 games, and he swatted a solo home run of his own in the 7th inning. LoMo’s dinger gave Seattle a 2-0 lead.

Matt Joyce cut the M’s lead in half in the home half of the 7th inning. Joyce yanked one of the few mistakes King Felix made over the wall in right field for a solo home run. Joyce’s homer made it a 2-1 game through 7 frames.

Seth Smith has mashed in his first month with the Mariners, and he added to the M’s lead in the top of the 8th. Smith crushed a Matt Shoemaker changeup over the high wall in right field. Smith’s home run was of the solo variety, and Seattle held a 3-1 lead in the 8th inning.

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The Mariners called on Fernando Rodney to shut the door with a 2-run lead in the bottom of the 9th inning. Rodney likes to make things interesting, and he certainly did that tonight. Kole Calhoun led off the final frame by driving a deep fly ball to right field that died just short of the wall for the first out. Rodney was not so lucky with David Freese. The Angels’ third baseman was gifted a fastball right down the middle, and Freese promptly deposited it into the right field seats. Freese’s blast shrunk the Mariners’ lead to 1, and gave the Halo faithful hope for a comeback.

Thankfully, Rodney was able to escape, and the Mariners held on for a 3-2 victory Monday night in Anaheim. The full box score can be found here.

Next: King Felix Hotter than Hades Against Angels

Apr 29, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez (34) throws during the game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

King Felix Hotter than Hades Against Angels

The Mariners needed a strong outing from their ace to get back on track, and Felix Hernandez was filthy on Monday against the Halos. Hernandez allowed 1 run on 6 hits across 7 innings of work. King Felix struck out 8 and surrendered just 1 free pass. He was in charge from the get go, and 65 of his 102 pitches found the strike zone.

I shutter to think where the M’s would be this season if it were not for the performance of Felix Hernandez. The Mariners have tallied 11 wins in 2015; 5 of which belong to King Felix. For the first time in his professional career, Hernandez has started the season 5-0. The 29-year-old leads the league in punch outs, and his 1.73 ERA is phenomenal.

Hernandez will go for win number 6 on Sunday afternoon against the Oakland A’s at Safeco Field. With the way King Felix is pitching, King’s Court should be rocking this weekend.

Next: 75% of the Mariners' Hits Left the Yard Tonight

May 2, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Seattle Mariners right fielder Nelson Cruz (23) hits a single during the eighth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

75% of the Mariners’ Hits Left the Yard Tonight

The M’s were nothing if not efficient on Monday evening in Anaheim. Seattle only had 4 hits on the night, but 3 were home runs. The Mariners are living on the home run ball this season, and tonight’s game is the perfect example.

Nelson Cruz has been the best player in baseball in 2015, and he sparked the M’s offense again tonight by hitting a solo home run in the top of the 7th inning. Cruz finished the game 1 for 4, but his one hit was key to the Mariners’ victory. The 34-year-old right fielder is now hitting .340 with 14 home runs and 26 RBI’s this season. He is putting together an MVP calibre season in his debut campaign in Seattle.

Logan Morrison is beginning to heat up after starting the season in a terrible slump. His poor numbers were not due to anything other than bad luck, and tonight’s solo home run is proof that LoMo’s hard work is starting to pay off. Morrison is hitting .222 with 4 home runs and 7 RBI’s this season. Over his last 5 games, LoMo has hit .391 with 3 home runs and 5 RBI’s. Things are definitely looking up for the Mariners’ first baseman.

Seth Smith was an unheralded addition this offseason to the M’s, but he has been one of the best hitters in the M’s lineup over the first month of the season. Smith’s solo home run in the 8th inning proved to be the game winning run tonight against the Halos. After tonight’s 1 for 4 showing, Smith  is hitting .274 with 2 home runs and 7 RBI’s. He is expected to be the M’s leadoff hitter against right-handed pitching until Austin Jackson‘s sprained ankle heals.

Next: Looking Ahead