Mariners: 3 takeaways from disappointing series versus Orioles

1) Kikuchi and Dunn impress in different ways

In his last outing, Yusei Kikuchi allowed just one hit and no runs in 7.0 innings, for arguably his best performance in a Mariners uniform. As such, he was always likely to have some type of a comedown on Wednesday in his next start.

Relatively speaking though, Kikuchi pitched very well. It was just unfortunate it had to come at the same time as Means’ no-hitter.

On the day, the 29-year-old allowed just five hits and one walk, to go along with three earned runs. (He also threw seven strikes, tied for his second-most on the season.) Most important of all though — for future days if not the game itself — he pitched seven innings.

Reaching seven innings was as much of a need as a want for the Mariners, as it gave the bullpen some much-needed extra rest. Scott Servais even said Kikuchi could have gone back out for the eighth, but the Mariners manager wanted to give some of the newer arms a bit of experience.

The fact Kikuchi has now gone seven innings in three of his last four starts is significant. He managed this just four times in 2019 and not at all last year.

This stretch also alludes to the Japan native producing more consistently so far in 2021. While it’s still early, this is understandably encouraging for everyone concerned.

The night before, Justin Dunn took to the mound for the start. While deciding if he had a good outing or not may depend on your perspective, there was still more positive than negative overall.

On the positive side, Dunn allowed just three hits and equaled his season-low of one run, in 5.1 innings. He also tied his season best of six strikeouts, while getting himself out of several jams.

However, the fact the 2016 first round draft pick was even in any jams at all came down to issuing four walks – the second-most for him this season. Walks had not previously been an issue for him following the eight he allowed in his first start of the year.

Dunn admitted after the game that he had struggled with his command, particularly on his fastball. He went on to say something was just off all night and he felt bad for not going longer to help the bullpen.

Ultimately though, we would call it a good sign that the 25-year-old achieved what he did on a night when he didn’t have his best stuff. His continued development and growing maturity can only assist him and the ball club both in the short and long-term.

NEXT: OTHER NOTABLE HIGHLIGHTS