Mariners: 4 takeaways from series split with Los Angeles Angels

The Seattle Mariners performed well as they took two games in a series which they realistically could have won against the Los Angeles Angels.

We realize there has been plenty of ups and downs already this season for the Mariners. From the highest of the highs to the lowest of the lows, this ball club has put their fans through an emotional roller-coaster ride.

In addition, as we’ve mentioned before, Seattle is extremely unpredictable. On plenty of occasions they have won when you think they should lose and vice versa.

Ultimately though as a writer covering the Mariners, it has been entertaining. And the entertainment continued in a four-game set against the Angels.

In truth, you can make a compelling case that Seattle should have won the series. However, they had to settle for a split, which is still not a bad outcome on the road for a young, developing ball club.

The series got off to an encouraging start on Thursday night, as the Mariners secured a convincing 6-2 win. However, this was then followed by a frustrating game on Friday evening.

Seattle were trailing 3-2, but had a golden opportunity in the eighth, with the bases loaded and nobody out. However, despite bringing their 2-3-4 batters to the plate, they failed to score even once and the game was lost.

Saturday night was a case of ‘what if’, which we’ll get to in our final takeaway. Ultimately though, the bullpen let the Mariners down in a 12-5 final scoreline.

Fortunately for Seattle, they were able to gain some respect and confidence on Sunday, as they won 9-5. Admittedly the game was in doubt until the final inning, but they then scored five of their runs to clinch the victory.

Next up for the Mariners are three games in Detroit, against a Tigers team which swept them last time around. First of all though, here are our takeaways and other notes from the four-game set versus the Angels:

4) Gilbert grabs his first Major League win

Last time out, we called Logan Gilbert‘s fourth start of his Major League career the best yet. Now you can make the argument that his fifth start was the best to date.

The case against this would be only pitching five innings and allowing a career-high four walks. Overall though, there was a lot to be impressed by from Gilbert, who continues to grow with every appearance.

The afternoon didn’t start out too well for the 24-year-old, who gave up a home run to Justin Upton on his very first pitch. That it came on his favored fastball added to some early concern.

Gilbert also allowed three of his walks during the opening two innings, but showed some mettle in allowing no additional runs. In reality, the only real issue was it took him 43 pitches to get through this period, but the main point is he got through it.

As the game progressed, the right-handed pitcher got into a zone and showed what he was truly capable of. He went on to retire 10 of the final 12 hitters he faced.

The only other time Gilbert faced a challenge was during the fourth, after getting the first two outs. He then allowed two batters to reach base, courtesy of a hit and walk.

Next up was Shohei Ohtani, who took a 3-0 lead in the count. However, the Mariners rookie again battled back, to strike Ohtani out and end the inning.

When it was all said and done, Gilbert had thrown a career-high 105 pitches, with 64 of them called strikes. He generated a significant 20 swinging strikes, which was noteworthy in particular for nine of them coming courtesy of his slider.

The 2018 14th overall amateur draft pick also recorded a career-best seven strikeouts. And despite falling short of a quality start, he ultimately still did enough to earn his first Major League win.

Making the moment extra special for Gilbert, was that his family were in the stands to witness it. Speaking to the media afterwards, he said:

“It was awesome. I got to talk to them after the game just for a minute there and see my dad and how excited the whole family was.

“They were witnesses since the beginning, since I was four years old when I started. To be able to see this moment, it’s special for me and the rest of my family.”

One of the main statistical signs of Gilbert’s progress is his ERA, which now stands at 4.98 – effectively half of what it was following his second game. His next start is scheduled for the weekend series on the road against the Cleveland Indians.

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