Mariners vs. Dodgers: The defense was on full display

When you play an elite team like the Dodgers, you’re going to need to make the big plays and the Mariners did just that with the gloves. In the 4-3 victory over the defending World Series champions, the Mariners made three spectacular plays and one of them saved the game.

The 2021 Mariners Gold Glove application was submitted last night

First basemen tend to not make many eye-catching defensive plays, but Evan White is a human highlight reel. He does more than just snag sharp line drives, he is also able to track down the tough fly balls in foul territory and he did it once again.

AJ Pollock hit a weird blooper in no man’s land and Evan White made an amazing grab over his shoulder. Do you remember David Wright’s bare-handed catch in short left field? Evan’s catch wasn’t quite on that level, but it reminded me a lot of it.

Evan White looks like he is on track to win another Gold Glove this year. He already has one defensive runs saved above average (prior to yesterday’s game), and zero errors.

And then in the fifth inning, Mookie Betts hit a line drive into short right field and Mitch Haniger made a great sliding catch. Haniger’s sliding catch was so Haniger-esque and we sure missed him in right field. He has already made a few nice plays this year and is looking great on both sides of the game. I think the Mariners outfielder is on track to make his second All-Star game, and I don’t know, maybe a Gold Glove?

And then in the seventh inning, Kendall Graveman got into a bit of trouble. The Dodgers had runners on first and second with two outs and Will Smith in the batter’s box. The Dodgers catcher turned on a two-seam fastball and Dylan Moore was able to snag the line drive to save a run.

The ball was hit 92.4 mph and registered a .620 xBA, but D-Moore said “not today.” Moore’s diving grab has already become a fun meme and was one of the biggest plays from last night, if not the biggest.