The Mariners’ struggles continued Tuesday night, both offensively and defensively. Pitcher Justin Vargas could not stop the M’s losing streak as they fell to the Rays 5-2 at Safeco Field.To Continue...
The Seattle offense continued it’s hibernation during the homestand and the usually superb defense did little to help Justin Vargas on the mound. Vargas pitched a decent game, giving up only three runs and four hits, while striking out eight over 6 and 2/3 innings against the dangerous Rays offense. The typically strong M’s defense committed four errors, a total of three by shortstop Jack Wilson, in the loss.
The struggling offense did manage eight hits off the Rays pitching, which is an improvement upon the weekend series sweep by the Rangers. However, the M’s have only managed to score five runs in the past four games, all at Safeco. If the Mariners cannot hit while at home, it is going to be very difficult to win games.
The only positives that can come from the recent struggles are that the AL West is a struggling division, and Seattle is only 2 and 1/2 games out of first place. Also, newly promoted Ryan Langerhans, who pinch hit for Milton Bradley, singled in the bottom of the ninth inning against Rays starter James Shields.
The Mariners send Cliff Lee (0-0, 0.00) to the mound tomorrow night against the Rays, who counter with Matt Garza (4-1, 2.06). The Mariners offense will be challenged in this series against the Rays strong pitching, but improvements are desperately needed, for the fans and players alike.
Reach Kyle Fosnes at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
