3) The one-run wins continue from last season:
If there was one thing that characterized the Mariners last year it was their never-say-die attitude, which resulted in many tense and tightly-fought contests. During the 2021 season they had 52 games decided by one run, which was first in the American League and fourth in the Majors.
Even more impressively, Seattle went 33-19 in those 52 games, which resulted in the most one-run wins in all of baseball. (As a further representation of their never-quit mentality last season, they went 14–7 in extra innings and overall registered 42 comeback wins.)
If the beginning of the 2022 campaign is any indication, fans can expect more of the same in the coming months. With a 2-1 win on Friday followed by a 4-3 victory on Saturday, the Mariners began a season with back-to-back one-run wins for the first time since 1996 and the second time in franchise history.
Starting with Friday’s season opener, the reality is the pitching deserves the vast majority of the credit. Aside from Ray’s impressive regular-season debut for Seattle, Paul Sewald and Drew Steckenrider came out of the bullpen to throw one inning each, allowing just a solitary hit and no runs between them.
At the same time, however, you still need some offense if you’re going to win a game. Step forward Mitch Haniger.
Fresh off getting a well-deserved pay rise, Haniger hit a two-RBI homer in the top of the first, to provide the only runs the Mariners would ultimately need. It was a welcome blast for a player who readily admitted he didn’t have a particularly impressive spring training.
It was also a case of the 2018 All-Star carrying on where he left off from last year. He was one of just six Major League players to hit at least 39 home runs and 100 RBI during the 2021 season.
Turning to Saturday, Seattle improved somewhat offensively, but it still took some late dramatics as they entered the top of the ninth down 3-2. Enter Julio Rodriguez.
Given the circumstances, the Mariners’ top-rated talent couldn’t have picked a better time to record his first Major League hit. Into the bargain it was also a double, as he provided the necessary spark to begin the comeback.
Rodriguez was subsequently driven home by Frazier to tie the game. Frazier himself was then driven home by Ty France, to give the Mariners a lead they would not relinquish; France led the team on the day, with three hits and two RBI.
Last year, Seattle’s 42 comeback wins were the first time they had 40+ in this category since they totaled 45 in 2007. Combined with having a stronger roster than 2021, the apparent continuation of their impressive mental fortitude should have fans extremely excited.
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