Mariners: 5 takeaways from tough series versus Houston Astros

1) Mariners’ hitting woes take center stage

There have been some noteworthy efforts on offense this season, especially the likes of Mitch Haniger, Ty France and Kyle Seager. J.P. Crawford also deserves credit for his play, including hits in six of his last seven games.

However, the reality is there have been too many players underachieving in the lineup so far this season. When regular starters such as White and Taylor Trammel are hitting below the Mendosa line (.200), this can become a problem. (We appreciate Trammel hit the only score of the game on Thursday.)

As a team, the Mariners have the second-worst batting average in the Majors following Thursday’s action, along with the third-worst OPS. The fact they are in the top half of the league in runs scored is a minor miracle.

Certainly, this lack of production is not sustainable over the long-term, especially if one (or more) of your consistent hitters has a rare off-night or is injured. This was painfully on display for the majority of the series in Houston.

In Game 1, the Mariners were out-hit 14-7 and lost 5-2. As mentioned earlier, they offered Gonzales no run support during a 2-0 loss in Game 2, with just two hits (both by Seager).

Game 3 was the exception, as they managed five runs on seven hits, but lost due to the aforementioned implosion by their bullpen. Game 4 saw them accrue just four hits and one run, but they were saved by Kikuchi’s magnificent outing.

For those (not) keeping count at home, the Mariners had a total of 20 hits and eight runs in the series, averaging out to five hits and two runs per game. Suffice it to say, M’s fans will be hoping this isn’t a sign of things to come.

It doesn’t help with Haniger being scratched from Wednesday’s and Thursday’s lineups. The 30-year-old has been excellent this season in the lead-off spot and has a team-high five home runs.

The official reason for Hainger’s absence was fatigue, with Servais adding that the outfielder would have played if it was the postseason. As with Gonzales, the Mariners would just prefer to be cautious, especially with a player returning from a major injury.

The return of Kyle Lewis should theoretically help the offense, but the early results are not good. He is just 4-for-26 (.154) in seven games, although he does already have two home runs.

In fairness to Lewis, he is still getting re-acclimated to the Major League level following his knee injury. Along these lines the Mariners are once again being cautious, as they rested him on Thursday.

If the 2020 AL Rookie of the Year can return to last season’s form, it will provide a much-needed boost alongside Crawford’s continued development. If not, the series in Houston could be a prelude to further offensive struggles for Seattle.

NEXT: OTHER NOTABLE HIGHLIGHTS