Mariners Game Recap: M’s are 0-1 in the Jerry Dipoto era

The Houston Astros (83-74) blasted past the Seattle Mariners (74-83) on Monday night, winning 3-2 in the series opener. Lance McCullers (6-7, 3.21 ERA) earned the victory for the Astros, and Danny Farquhar (1-6, 4.98 ERA) took the loss for the M’s. Luke Gregerson shut the door in the 9th to pick up his 30th save of the season.

The Astros kicked the scoring off in the top of the first inning. Houston jumped out to a 2-0 lead thanks to a pair of solo home runs. However, Mark Trumbo‘s RBI single in the bottom of the 1st cut the lead in half. The Mariners managed to tie the game in the 6th, but that was short-lived, as Houston stormed back out in front in the top of the 7th.

Roenis Elias allowed 2 runs on 3 hits across 6 innings pitched. Elias fanned 5 and issued 2 free passes. Obviously, the solo home runs proved costly, but tonight was actually one of Elias’ better outings. The 27-year-old southpaw had decent command of his arsenal, as 59 of his 100 pitches found the strike zone.

eSep 28, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Danny Farquhar (40) stands on the mound after surrendering solo home run against the Houston Astros during the seventh inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Danny Farquhar took over in the 7th, and allowed a solo home run of his own. Tony Zych was called on to pitch the 8th. Zych got himself into a jam, but managed to tip toe out of danger without allowing a run. Joe Beimel and Mayckol Guaipe combined to pitch a scoreless 9th inning.

Ketel Marte led the way tonight hitting out the leadoff spot. After going nearly 200 at bats without hitting a home run, the Mariners shortstop has now hit a pair of solo home runs in his last 16 plate appearances. Mark Trumbo finished 1 for 2 with a walk, and accounted for the other M’s run. Robinson Cano had another nice game, going 2 for 4.

Lance McCullers got the start for the visitors, and he fared pretty well during his 6 innings. The 21-year-old right-hander allowed 2 runs on 4 hits, while striking out 7 and walking 2. Tony Sipp was a stud out of the bullpen, hurling a pair of perfect innings to keep the Astros’ slim lead in tact. Oliver Perez and Luke Gregerson combined to strike out the side in the 9th.

George Springer was the star on offense, finishing 2 for 3 with a double, a home run and 1 RBI. Evan Gattis also had a big night, going 1 for 3 with a walk, a home run and 1 RBI. Chris Carter had a memorable showing, as the slugger came through with the game winning home run in the 7th.

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Seattle is officially eliminated from postseason contention in 2015, and tonight’s loss pushed them even further down the American League West totem pole. The Mariners now trail the division leading Texas Rangers by 10.5 games, and they sit 9 games out in the wildcard. The M’s are guaranteed to finish with a losing record this season, and new GM Jerry Dipoto will have work cut out for him this winter.

The Seattle Mariners (74-83) will try and even the series with the Houston Astros (83-74) Tuesday night at Safeco Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 pm from the corner of Edgar & Dave. Vidal Nuno (1-4, 4.10 ERA) will get the ball for the M’s tomorrow night, and Mike Fiers (2-1, 3.18 ERA) will be on the bump for the Astros. Root Sports Northwest will carry the game live locally, and MLB.tv subscribers can watch worldwide on connected devices.

Next: Mariners get their man, Jerry Dipoto named GM

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