Three Takeaways from the Mariners 2-1 Win over the Angels

First of all, how can you not be romantic about baseball? A Mariners game that will forever be remembered as the VogCo game… no? Maybe the Marogey game? Yeah, I like that one.

If you aren’t a fan of pitchers duels, you probably didn’t like this game. And if that’s the case, well, you’re wrong. This Mariners game flew by at a brisk pace, ending in just under 2.5 hours.

The first run came in the 2nd inning of the game after Albert Pujols doubled and then was moved over to 3rd base before scoring. Blah blah blah, who cares.

The Mariners came up big after a double from Dee Gordon, who moved to 3rd on a Wild Pitch and then scored on a double from Mitch Haniger. Marco was cruising through the Angel’s lineup, at one point retiring 17 in a row. That was about it for the scoring. Until…

VOGELBOMB.

Vogey stepped up to the plate and smashed a ball over the fence near the pen that even Mike Trout couldn’t get to. Vogey also hit a double in the at bat prior. I’d say that’s pretty good for someone who wasnt originally supposed to start the game until a sore hand forced Edwin Encarnacion out of the lineup.

Things go a little dicey in the 9th when Marco got the first out and then walked Trout on four pitches and then gave up a hit to Andrelton Simmons up the middle. That spelled the end for Marco, going 8 1/3 innings with three strikeouts and a walk. Anthony Swarzak was on to finish out the game with runners on 1st and 3rd with one out. He struck out the first guy and then got a rollover from Johnathan Lucroy to end it. The Mariners went to 7-1, the best start in team history.

So what are the takeaways? First off, Marco is truly pitching like an ace. That game was incredible. He had three starts in the first 8 games of the season, which is pretty remarkable this day and age and he fared just fine against Mike Trout. With Marco pitching like that. “I’m a competitor, I go get outs, that’s what I do.” Marco told Jen Mueller in his post game interview and he sure handled his business today. He improves to 3-0 on this young season.

My second takeaway is hey, good for Swarzak. He just came off the IL today and was making his season debut and honestly, he looked good. He was put in a really tough spot and he came through. With Strickland on the IL for the foreseeable future, Swarzak may be the go to guy in the 9th.

And finally. #VOGEYISFREE

It took an injury to Encarnacion to do it but Vogey came in and showed just what he can do and how he can change a game. All the Sodo Mojo commenters are losing their mind right about now. “But.. but.. that’s no right?! Release him, he cant produce at the major league level!” Well I’ve got news for you, Vogey is here and he is ready for any opportunity you give him. He is coming for your lead and he isnt giving it back.

Awards:

Player of the Game: Marco Gonzales

8 1/3, 3 Ks, 1BB, 4 H, 100 pitches

Unsung Hero: Anthony Swarzak

2/3 IP, K, SV, 9

Best Play of the Game: Daniel Vogelbach

MASSIVE, HUGE, GINORMOUS, IMPORTANT, FAT HOMERUN OUT TO DEAD CENTER

GO ‘NERS