Mariners vs. Twins: Garver gets revenge, starters struggle, and Cal makes a sandwich

Best Pitcher: Luis Castillo

6.2 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 7 K

It was a rough time for Mariners starters who couldn't seem to pitch around the potent Twins offense. They combined for 19 earned runs over 19 ⅔ innings and ruined their streak of consecutive dazzling starts. Of these outings, Castillo managed to take the least damage, putting up a quality start in the first game of the series. It was a close game that Seattle ended up losing 3-1 but that was tame compared to the other three games. He still put up 14 swings and misses, mixing in the changeup and slider more often with his four-seam fastball.

After a string of brutal outings to start off 2024 (was there something in the water? I feel like this can be said about everyone on the team), he's finally managed to lock in and has posted a 1.93 ERA with 10.5 K/9 over his last five starts. Giving up three earned runs was the worst we've seen him in a while which speaks to the caliber of pitching he's been dealing out in the past month.

Honorable Mention: Trent Thornton

2.1 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K

While the rotation sprung some leaks this week, the bullpen had some strong performances including one of baseball's most underrated relievers. Following up on Castillo's strong start, Thornton did his best to keep the game winnable but lacked the run support to make it happen. He entered the third game in the seventh inning and struck out two of the three batters he faced but after Cody Bolton gave up two more earned runs in the eighth, the game was out of reach once again.

He was great last year and he continues to be great this year, posting a 2.30 ERA and 0.89 WHIP over the 15 ⅔ innings he has pitched thus far. He's got a great sweeper with a BA of just .143 and a curveball that someone is yet to hit.