Mariners split four-game series versus the Red Sox in Boston

We share some takeaways from the Mariners’ hard-fought and well-earned series split in Boston, against the Red Sox and their potent offense.

In some respects, the four-game series in Boston helped encapsulate what an interesting and surreal season this has been so far for the Mariners. Take, for example, the first game, which they won 7-3 in extra innings despite only managing three hits.

The Red Sox won the second game 6-5, but in reality it was not as close as the final scoreline suggested. The Mariners had the most dominating performance of the series in the third game, as they triumphed 8-2.

Boston managed to win the final game due to an explosive first inning, which saw them score four runs. They would eventually hold on to win 5-3, despite being out-hit by their opponents.

Overall, the Mariners can take a lot of pride in a well-deserved split of the series against a strong Red Sox ballclub. Here are four observations from the four-game set, along with some other notable highlights:

4) Flexen has a career day

If you predicted Marco Gonzales would be the Mariners’ best pitcher at this point of the season, it would have made sense given his status as the staff ace. A healthy James Paxton would also have been a good choice, with his top of the rotation talent.

You could even understand Yusei Kikuchi being the main man, if he finally lived up the hype which persuaded Seattle to sign him in the first place. But Chris Flexen?

As much as Flexen’s fine form may have been a surprise to people, he is deserving of his designation as the best pitcher in the rotation so far. And he cemented this position with a career day on Saturday at Fenway Park.

The 26-year-old was in a zone throughout his start; no mean feat against the top-scoring team in the Majors as of Monday morning. He allowed just four hits, one earned run and a walk during a fantastic performance.

Flexen was extremely effective, as 61 of his 88 pitches went for strikes. His cutter was particularly potent, as it resulted in seven of his 16 swinging strikes.

When it was all said and done, the former New York Met had set career-bests with seven strikeouts and seven innings pitched. In addition, he has now allowed one or less earned runs in three of his four starts this season.

Of course it’s early in the campaign and you could argue Flexen is still somewhat of an unknown quantity. However, there is a lot to like about a young man who is showing the potential to be a mainstay in a somewhat unpredictable rotation.

Refreshingly, the Newark, California native is maintaining a level-headed approach despite his early success. Speaking to the media afterwards, he said:

“Each time I’m continuing to learn, develop, continue to gain confidence, trust myself. [I’m] sticking with the plan and keep keeping the same mindset every time I go out, and that’s win a ballgame.”

Flexen was also asked about what the first month of the season had meant to him. He said:

“It definitely shows it’s paying off, the work I put in to get better. Each week, each bullpen session, I’m just trying to get better, to build off these outings.

“These first four have been great for me, helping the ballclub win games and the defense behind me has been unbelievable. They made some big plays today, but ultimately it’s just continuing to build confidence and trust yourself.”

You imagine the Mariners also have trust in Flexen and they will be hoping he continues to perform. His next start is scheduled to come at the weekend, at home to the Los Angeles Angels.

NEXT: A WELCOME RETURN FOR THIS BAT