A promising – if inconsistent – start to season for Flexen
The only common denominators from Chris Flexen‘s first two starts to the 2021 season, were they lasted 5.0 innings and the Mariners won both games. Other than that, they could not have been more different.
In Flexen’s first start, he allowed just four hits and two walks, while striking out six and giving up no runs, to help the M’s clinch a season opening series versus the Giants. He did face a couple of potential tough situations in the third and fourth innings, but was able to work his way out of them with no damage.
The 26-year-old’s second start against a potent Twins lineup was less successful, despite striking out five and only allowing another couple of walks. He gave up eight hits to go with six runs (five earned), leaving Seattle in a 6-0 hole when he was taken out.
Suffice it to say, Flexen has had an interesting up and down beginning to the year. This theme continued on Saturday against the Astros, in his third start of the season.
For example, the right-handed pitcher allowed 10 hits, but just one earned run. In addition, he gave up no walks, but only had three strikeouts.
When it was all said and done, Flexen took his first loss of the season due to the Mariners’ inability to conjure up even one run against the outstanding Zach Greinke. Overall, he was unfortunate to have this outcome on the night, as the Mariners lost 1-0.
Consider that the Newark, California native became the first M’s starting pitcher this season not to allow a single walk. And even though he gave up 10 hits, nine of them were only singles.
It is also worth noting that Flexen officially went 6.0 innings – he pitched to one batter in the seventh – to tie his career high in the Majors. The last time he went 6.0 innings was when he started for the Mets against the Diamondbacks on Aug. 23, 2017.
Overall, being able to go toe to toe with someone that has Greinke’s resume was a huge boost for Flexen. He spoke to the media afterwards about what the outing meant to him:
“It’s definitely a sign of confidence. My game plan was to attack and get ahead, induce contact and try to go as deep in the ball game as I could, with as few runs [as possible]. Unfortunately, tonight we came up just short.”
Manger Scott Servais said Saturday night represented the best blend of Flexen’s stuff since he joined the Mariners. The right-handed pitcher was asked if he agreed with this assessment:
“Tonight was pretty solid. I definitely had a solid command of all four [pitches].
“I was able to mix all four any time, any count; that’s something I’ve been continuing to try to build on and have confidence. If you fall behind, be able to trust your secondary stuff when needed.”
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