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Dee and The King Carry Mariners to 6-3 Victory
The Mariners just cannot lose right now. At least, that is how it feels. The team entered Tuesday’s series opener with the Oakland A’s winners of 7 of their last 10, and King Felix Hernandez on the bump.
At first, things looked dreary for the Mariners. After striking out the first 2 A’s batters, Felix Hernandez surrendered a solo home run to Jed Lowrie, and the Mariners quickly fell into a 1-0 deficit.
The Mariners would answer quickly, tying the game on a Mike Zunino RBI double in the second. In the 5th innings, the Mariners captured a lead they would never lose, thanks to a Nelson Cruz 3-run home run. The blast gave Seattle a 4-1 lead, which is all Hernandez and the bullpen needed.
Seattle tacked on runs in the 6th and the 8th, both on Jean Segura RBI. However, the show was stolen by King Felix tonight. Hernandez turned back the clock and was dominate until the 7th inning.
In 6 plus innings of work, Felix struck out 7, allowing just 1 run until the Top of the 7th. Using an excellent curveball and well-commanded fastball, Felix looked like his 2015 self for most of the night.
Of course, even the best pitchers need some help. Gold Glove third baseman Kyle Seager started one of the prettier double plays you’ll see in 2018:
Routine. #TrueToTheBlue pic.twitter.com/W8VWU48gdo
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) May 2, 2018
Not to be ignored in this game was Dee Gordon. After a 4-5 game on Sunday, Gordon actually one-upped himself on Tuesday, going 5-5 on the night, including 2 stolen bases. An impressive feat to say the least. Even more so when put into this context:
#Mariners Dee Gordon is the first player with a five-hit game out of the leadoff slot for at least three different teams during the live ball era. Having done so for the Dodgers, Marlins, and Mariners.
— Ryan M. Spaeder (@theaceofspaeder) May 2, 2018
Not to be overlooked was the stellar relief pitching from Nick Vincent, Juan Nicasio, and Edwin Diaz, who pitched scoreless ball in 3 innings. Vincent allowed 2 inherited runners to score, but anybody watching the game knows he did an excellent job. Vincent struck out 2 A’s, and the runners scored on an infield single and weakly hit fielders choice.
Next: Mitchell Evan Haniger: All Star
The victory brings the Mariners record to 17-11, with a chance to win yet another series tomorrow. James Paxton will toe the slab for Seattle. The A’s will counter with Brett Anderson. First pitch is at 7:10 PST.