The Mariners offense is turning a corner as the end of August approaches

As we get into the later part of August, the Mariners offense is starting to heat up. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons and results from the bats taking shape.

The Mariners lineup is getting healthy and more productive

The Mariners offense has seen a resurgence with the return of Mitch Haniger and Julio Rodriguez to the lineup in August. Their return has added depth to a lineup that needed a boost after a post-all-star break slump. The M’s have averaged about 6.38 runs per game on this road trip and their performance on Friday showed how important having length in the lineup is. Seattle had 11 players record a hit during Friday night’s 10-2 drubbing of Oakland. This shows how well the Mariners can hit when all their starting position players are healthy.

Mariners 3B Eugenio Suarez is surging

One Mariners hitter who has benefited the most from the return of Haniger and Rodriguez has been Eugenio Suarez. In his last seven games, Suarez is slashing .261/.357/.870 with four home runs and 10 RBI. He hit two big home runs against the A’s on Friday off Cole Irvin, a two-run homer to left field and a three-run homer to dead center field.

Suarez currently leads the team with 22 home runs on the season with his recent power surge. He also just missed a home run on Saturday, tripling off the wall in right-center field. Hopefully, the additions of Haniger and Rodriguez will continue to help other hitters in Seattle’s lineup, as it has for Suarez.

The Mariners increased run production is a welcome sign

The Mariner’s overall run production is crucial to their success and ability to win games. The M’s are 12-42 when they score three runs or less in a game. The Mariners have been shut out or scored one run in 20 games this season. They are 22nd in runs scored and have averaged 4.18 runs per game this season. Their average run production on this road trip was about 2.2 runs per game, which is more than their season average. This road trip is the first time Haniger and Rodriguez have both been in the lineup since April.

With a healthy batting order becoming more productive, a great pitching staff as well as a great bullpen, the Mariners are looking like a complete team. September is going to be a lot of fun. Go M’s!