Mariners Recap: M’s Open Huge Series With 5-2 Win

Jun 19, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Roenis Elias (29) throws out a pitch during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

Roenis Elias struck out 10 over seven strong innings and the Mariners topped the Astros by a score of 5-2 on Friday night at Safeco Field.

Elias’ gem puts the Mariners at 31-37, and puts them 8.5 games behind the Astros in the American League West. Elias was knocked around by these same Astros last weekend in Houston so his ability to bounce back is incredibly encouraging.

For the M’s, this weekend could be the season, so Elias’ performance is a great start. If the M’s were to have gotten swept, it would have been difficult to find optimism.

The Astros took a 1-0 lead in the first inning on a homer by George Springer but the M’s countered with two in the bottom half on a bases-loaded walk by Nelson Cruz and a Mark Trumbo fielders’ choice.

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Trumbo gave the M’s a 3-1 lead in the third on a single and he gave them a 5-1 lead in the fifth on a fielders’ choice again.

Carson Smith nailed down his fourth save to close out the victory in the ninth. Robinson Cano finished the day 3-4 as he continues to swing the bat better. His average now sits at .245 but he’s hit the ball hard steadily over the last week of play.

The M’s send Taijuan Walker to the hill tomorrow against Dallas Keuchel. First pitch is slated for 7:10 p.m.

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