Examining every missed Mariners opportunity in 2022 ALDS

Mariners Game Three Mistakes: Can we please just have a run?

Who would’ve thought that 17+ innings of scoreless baseball could’ve been so exciting? Before we get to how they did in this game, specifically, I want to bring up just how well the Mariners pitching staff did in the series. They gave up 13 runs, but seven of those were to Yordan Alvarez. I know baseball is a team game, and a big power hitter like that can hurt you. To limit the rest of this lineup to just six runs in 36 innings is incredible.

At the same time, we have to look at how poor their hitters fared. Sure, a game like this brings everything down, but the lack of depth was apparent.

• .195/.264/.313 – Mariners (.230/.315/.390)
• .217/.273/.388 – Astros (.248/.319/.424)

That SLG is awful. There is no way around it. The good news is, as you can see, that it wasn’t just the Mariners that struggled to hit. Huge shoutout to the pitching staff for shutting down Altuve, as he went 0-16 with one BB.

This game though… the Mariners had some real opportunities to close it out, and couldn’t capitalize on any of them. Especially as the home team. They had nine chances where all they had to do was score a run, and the game would’ve been over.

It started in the second inning. The Mariners got back-to-back walks to start off the inning, but couldn’t capitalize. Santana and Frazier flew out, and Kelenic struck out to end the inning. The next chance didn’t show until the 8th when Julio crushed a ball at 112 mph off the bat. Unfortunately, he hit it just too low (only 15 degrees), and ended up with a 2B. France would strike out, and the inning was over.

Another chance showed in the 9th, with a leadoff single. A fielder’s choice was followed by an HBP, and we had runners on 1st and 2nd with just one out. A strikeout by Santana and fly out by Frazier would send it to extras… and the game was now halfway over.

A double play would end the 12th, and then in the 13th Julio was once again on 2nd with two outs after a single and a SB. France couldn’t capitalize, and we would keep playing. Santana would get to 2nd in the 17th with two outs, but as is the theme of the game, the inning would end on the next batter.

The Mariners went 7-60 in this game, drawing just three walks. That’s awful, and there isn’t much else to say. I am super proud of this team though. Blowing game one, coming out strong in game two, and the pitching staff pitching incredible in game three. They just never gave up… which isn’t something you can associate with Jesse Winker it sounds like.

Yes, the 2022 season is over. It’s not the end though. Things are going to keep getting better, and Seattle might just be turning back into a baseball town. Keep your heads up, Mariners fans.