Mariners: 3 takeaways from important series win versus Astros

Mariners’ bullpen continues to shine

As much as the offense often gets the glory for dramatic comeback wins, pitching also deserves a fair share of credit. If you can’t stop the other team scoring, it doesn’t matter how well the lineup hits late on in games.

In this respect, the M’s had allowed 46 runs through innings 1-5 during the first 13 games of the season. This was in stark contrast to the 19 runs giving up from the sixth inning onward.

Further, a bullpen which was much maligned last season, has been exceptional for Seattle to this point in 2021. Heading into the Astros series, this was highlighted by being the only team in the Majors so far this season to have three players with multiple saves.

The players in question were Kendall Graveman, Keynan Middelton and Rafael Montero, with two saves each. As such, the Mariners joined the 1985 Toronto Blue Jays as the only teams in MLB history to have three players with multiple saves after 13 games.

Obviously it’s a team effort when it comes to the bullpen, with plenty of standout moments and players. For example, Graveman had made nine consecutive appearances without allowing a run prior to the Houston series, dating back to Sept. 9, 2020 and spanning 11.1 innings.

During this stretch, the 30-year-old only allowed three hits (all singles) and four hits, while striking out eight hitters. He held opponents to a 0.88 batting average, .205 on-base percentage and 0.88 slugging percentage (.293 OPS).

Meanwhile, Anthony Misiewicz entered the weekend series with a hard-hit rate of just 7.7 percent. He was one of just six relievers in the Majors this season to have thrown at least 3.0 innings and post a hard-hit rate below 10 percent.

The bullpen continued its team effort and impressive form during the Houston series. As you’d expect, they played a key role in the comeback win on Friday night.

Yusei Kikuchi went 7.0 innings before being replaced by Drew Steckenrider for the eighth. Steckenrider allowed just one hit and kept the Mariners within striking distance at 5-4.

After Seattle tied the score at 5-5, Misiewicz – who returned on Friday after a spell on the injured list for undisclosed reasons – came in for the top of the ninth. He mowed through three straight batters, including two strikeouts, to set the stage for France’s walk-off hit in the bottom of the ninth.

The following night was not quite as successful for the team, as per the aforementioned frustrating 1-0 loss. Again though, the bullpen did its job to keep the Mariners within striking distance to the end.

Casey Sadler, Will Vest and Middleton all pitched 1.0 inning each and were virtually flawless. The only blip was one walk by Vest, as they combined to allow no hits or runs, along with four strikeouts. (Two each for Vest and Middleton.)

The Mariners’ bullpen saved their best performance of the series — and season — for Sunday, after Nick Margevicius was pulled from the game in the fourth inning. (Servais later confirmed Margevicius was taken out due to arm fatigue rather than an injury.)

What followed was an inspired effort from five pitchers. Combined, they did not give up a single hit or run, while allowing just one walk in 5.0 innings.

Ljay Newsome got the majority of the praise, after coming in for Margevicius on short notice and pitching 2.0 innings, to notch his first Major League win. However, Sadler, Misiewicz, Montero and Steckenrider all received their due credit as well.

As we mentioned, the bullpen was a sore point for the Mariners last year. The contrast could not be more stark so far this season, especially following Sunday’s slate of games.

Among all Major League bullpens, Seattle is ranked fifth in ERA (2.93) and third in WHIP (1.06). Even more impressively, the bullpen leads the Majors with a .184 batting averaging, while also recording a league-best seven wins.

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