Mariners Game Recap: Rockies Top M’s in Series Finale

The Colorado Rockies (60-83) edged the Seattle Mariners (69-75) 3-2 on Sunday afternoon at Safeco Field. With the win, Colorado took the series from the M’s. Kyle Kendrick (6-12, 6.15 ERA) earned the win for the visitors and James Paxton (3-4, 3.82 ERA) took the loss for the Mariners. John Axford cut through the heart of the M’s order in the 9th to pick up his 23rd save of the season.

The Rockies plated the first run of the day in the top of the 3rd inning. Colorado added a pair of runs to their lead in the following frame. Trailing 3-0, Seattle shrunk the Rockies’ lead to 1 run in the home half of the 4th inning.

James Paxton made his first start in nearly four months this afternoon at Safeco Field. Unfortunately, the 26-year-old southpaw was rusty in his return. Pax-Man allowed 3 runs on 2 hits across 3 innings of work. He fanned 4 and walked 3. Paxton hurled 66 pitches, with 36 of those finding the strike zone.

Mayckol Guaipe was called on to pitch in the 4th, and he came through with a pair of  shutout innings. J.C. Ramirez pitched a perfect 6th inning for Seattle on Sunday. Jose Ramirez and Vidal Nuno combined to keep the Rockies off the scoreboard in the 7th. Tony Zych entered in the 8th, and proceeded to pitch two scoreless innings to keep the Mariners in the game.

Runs were hard to come by on Sunday for the M’s. Seattle scored just 2 runs on 5 hits as a team today. Seth Smith carried the load, going 1 for 3 with 2 RBI. Ketel Marte had a nice day, finishing 1 for 3 with a walk, a run scored and 2 stolen bases. Robinson Cano went 1 for 3 with a walk and a run scored. Logan Morrison had a single and worked a walk in the 7th after battling for 11 pitches. Nelson Cruz continues to be a beacon of hope for Mariners’ fans, as he went 1 for 4.

Kyle Kendrick got the start for Colorado, and Mt. Vernon, WA product was very effective for the visitors today. Kendrick allowed 2 runs on 3 hits, while striking out 4 and waking 2 across 5 innings. He was yanked after just 72 pitches, and Scott Oberg was asked to pitch the 6th inning. Oberg got the job done, blanking the M’s during his lone inning of work. Justin Miller hurled a scoreless frame in the 7th to preserve the Rockies’ slim lead. Jairo Diaz powered through Seattle in the 8th, and John Axford shut the door on the Mariners in the 9th.

Colorado’s offense was nearly as inept as Seattle’s was on Sunday. The Rockies tallied 4 hits as a team and scored 3 runs. Wilin Rosario had a decent game, going 1 for 4 with a double and a run scored. The top of the Rockies order did a nice job, as both Charlie Blackmon and DJ LeMahieu reached base twice via free passes. Carlos Gonzalez, Cristhian Adames and Dustin Garneau contributed a single a piece.

Brandon Barnes made the play of the game in the 8th inning. With the tying run on first base and just 1 out, Kyle Seager hit a long fly ball deep down the line in left field. Barnes was shaded toward center, and it didn’t look like he had a chance to make a play on the ball off the bat. However, he sprawled out and made a diving catch to rob Seager of extra bases. Barnes then popped up and fired the ball back to Adames at short stop. Adames fired to first base and doubled off Ketel Marte to end the inning. If the ball had dropped in, Seattle would have tied the game and had a runner in scoring position with Nelson Cruz coming up.

More from Mariners News

• 2023 Steamer Projections: Teoscar Hernandez could see a drop in Seattle
• Steamer Projections: Julio Rodriguez to enter rarified air in 2023
• What if the Mariners traded FOR Tyler O’Neill this time?
• Mariners starting pitching is being overlooked by MLB
• Baking the Cake: An Adjusted Mariners Offseason Plan

Today’s loss puts Seattle even further back in the American League playoff picture. The Mariners are currently 8.5 games back of the American League West leading Houston Astros. The M’s are 7 games out in the wildcard race.

The Seattle Mariners (69-75) will welcome the Los Angeles Angels (72-70) to Safeco Field on Monday night in the opener of a 3-game series. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 pm from the corner of Edgar & Dave. Taijuan Walker (10-8, 4.70 ERA) will make his 29th start of the season for the Mariners tomorrow evening. Garrett Richards (13-10, 3.71 ERA) will be on the bump for the Halos. Root Sports Northwest will carry the game live locally, and MLB.tv subscribers can watch worldwide on connected devices.

More from SoDo Mojo

• 2023 Steamer Projections: Teoscar Hernandez could see a drop in Seattle
• Could the Mariners Acquire AL Batting Champion, Luis Arraez?
• Steamer Projections: Julio Rodriguez to enter rarified air in 2023
• What if the Mariners traded FOR Tyler O’Neill this time?
• Mariners starting pitching is being overlooked by MLB