Mariners Game Recap: M’s Take Opener 3-1 in Anaheim

The Seattle Mariners (34-40) came out on top on Friday night in the Big A, winning 3-1 in the series opener against the Los Angeles Angels (37-37). Taijuan Walker (6-6, 4.64 ERA) delivered another gem for the M’s en route to earning the win. Matt Shoemaker (4-6, 5.03 ERA) has had plenty of success against Seattle during his career, but he suffered his 6th loss of the season tonight. Fernando Rodney picked up his 15th save of the campaign in his return to the closer role.

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Prince Tai produced yet another strong outing for Seattle. Walker allowed 1 run on 7 hits across 7 innings. The 22-year-old right-hander fanned 6 Angels and walked none. Walker’s command was spot on as usual, with 65 of his 95 pitches finding the strike zone. Prince Tai is pitching as well as anyone in the league right now. He sports a 5-1 record with a 1.91 ERA over his last 6 starts. His 44:3 strikeout to walk ratio is incredible.

Charlie Furbush and Carson Smith combined to pitch a scoreless 8th inning for Seattle. Fernando Rodney shot his arrow deep into the Anaheim night after keeping the Halos off the scoreboard in the 9th. His arrow is said to have landed in nearby Disneyland, but thankfully no injuries were reported.

Matt Shoemaker finished 2nd in rookie of the year balloting in 2014, but he has regressed this season with the Angels. Shoemaker allowed 2 runs on 7 hits across 6 innings tonight. He struck out 2 and walked 2. The 27-year-old right-hander struggled with his location, and just 49 of his 80 pitches found the zone. Fernando Salas hurled 2 innings in relief, but he surrendered a key solo home run in the top of the 8th.

Brad Miller set the tone for the M’s this evening, going 3 for 4 with a pair of doubles and an RBI. Miller has had a very inconsistent season in 2015, but he has shown flashes of brilliance. Nelson Cruz had a nice night at the dish, going 2 for 4 with a double and driving in the winning run. Robinson Cano clubbed a solo blast in the 8th to put the game out of reach. The Mariners went just 1 for 9 with runners in scoring position tonight, but they did enough to get the victory.

The Angels have had trouble scoring runs all season, but Mike Trout has continued to mash in 2015. Trouty was responsible for the lone Halos’ run on Friday, as he took Prince Tai deep in the 1st inning. The superstar center fielder finished 3 for 4 on the night. David Freese came through with a couple hits tonight as well, but also struck out in a key spot late in the game.

June 26, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano (22) is congratulated by third base coach Rich Donnelly (26) after he hits a solo home run in the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Mariners have not had the first half everyone was expecting, and much of the blame falls squarely on Robinson Cano’s shoulders. The superstar second baseman is off to the worst start of his career, and he has been a black hole in the heart of the M’s lineup all season. However, Cano has turned it on as of late. Robby is riding a 4-game hitting streak, in which he has slashed .294 while hitting 2 home runs and driving in 2 runs. This is rather significant as Cano had hit just 2 home runs all season prior to the last 4 games. He has always been a second half hitter, so hopefully this is a sign that he is finally coming around. If Cano can keep hitting, the M’s have a fighting chance to get back in the race.

Seattle entered play tied with the Oakland A’s for 4th place in the American League West, but thanks to the M’s victory and an A’s loss, the Mariners now have sole possession of 4th place. The Mariners also gained a game on the division leading Houston Astros, as Seattle now trails by just 8 games.

The Seattle Mariners (34-40) will take on the Los Angeles Angels (37-37) on Saturday afternoon in Anaheim. First pitch is scheduled for 4:15 pm from Angel Stadium. J.A. Happ (3-4, 3.78 ERA) will toe the rubber for the Mariners, and Garrett Richards (7-5, 3.66 ERA) will get the ball for the Halos. FOX will beam the game nationwide, and MLB.tv subscribers can watch on connected devices.

Next: Mariners News: M's Open Three-Game Set at Angels

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