Mariners salvage series split against Twins

The Mariners were able to win the bookends of this 4 game series against the Minnesota Twins. The 2023 up and down season continues, hovering at or around .500. The M's limped into this series, losing the 3 game series they had against the Detroit Tigers, 2 games to 1. Eugenio Suarez would be the series MVP, hitting a 2-run homerun in the first 3 games of this series against the Twins.

Game 1: Mariners 7, Twins 6
Game 2: Twin 10, Mariners 3
Game 3: Twins 6, Mariners 3
Game 4: Mariners 5, Twins 0

In game 1, Logan Gilbert (8-5, 3.65 ERA) was able to secure the win, even though he didn't look like his usual self. Logan was only able to get through 5 innings, throwing 94 pitches. He gave up just 2 runs, 7 hits and 1 walk while striking out 5. Twins starter Sonny Gray, an All-Star this year, did not have his best stuff either. He managed to go just 5.2 innings, giving up 5 runs on 5 hits, walking 4 batters and striking out 5.

The Mariners' bats were hot at the start of game 2. They scored 3 runs on 6 hits off of Twins starter Bailey Ober. The M's missed out on two runs in this inning though, as they were thrown out at home twice (!!!) in the first inning. Teoscar Hernandez ran through the Mariners 3rd base Coach Manny Aca's stop sign and was thrown out at home, while Manny sent Ty France home to get thrown out by a mile. The Mariners only managed to get 3 more hits the rest of the game.

While getting blown out is no fun at all, Game 3 maybe the most disappointing game of the series. Geno's 3rd home run in 3 games tied this one up at 3-3 in the bottom of the 7th. Then, the Twins scored a run on a passed ball in the top of the 8th, taking the lead 4-3. The Mariners bullpen was absolutely taxed, and rookie Devin Sweet came in to make his Major League debut. He gave up a 2-run home run to Alex Kirilloff, and the Mariners would go on to lose 6-3.

After the game, Mariners star Jarred Kelenic was frustrated and took his anger out on a watercooler. He kicked it, and subsequently broke his left foot in the process. Who knows how long he will be out. Replacing him, at least for now, is rookie OF Cade Marlowe.

Game 4 was not all that close, as George Kirby and company shut down the Twins offense completely. George struck out a season high 10 batters, going 7 strong innings. Kirby, Brash and Sewald combined to only give up 5 hits, while not walking anybody. Mike Ford demolished his 10th home run of the year, while Teoscar Hernandez hit his first home run since June 27th.

Even with a series tie, this was still a disappointing series. Losing Kelenic for an extended period of time is going to be a big blow. Also, the play on the field is not helping convince the front office that this team is playoff ready as it is currently constructed. The Mariners face another tough opponent in the Toronto Blue Jays this weekend. As always, Go Mariners!