Mitch Haniger comes through with a walk-off single in extra innings, as the Mariners make it two out of two in a critical series against the Guardians.
The Mariners fan base was already celebrating, after news came out about Julio Rodriguez’s long-term contract extension. Mitch Haniger subsequently gave them more reason to cheer on Friday night.
One night after providing all the scoring for Seattle in a 3-1 win, Haniger came through in the clutch. His walk-off single in the bottom of the 11th, clinched a 3-2 victory over the Guardians.
There was a postseason feel on the night at T-Mobile Park, fueled by the 39,870 fans in attendance. For Haniger to come through in such a crucial situation, speaks volumes about his ability to perform under pressure.
The 2018 All-Star has been the Mariners’ most consistent bat since returning from injury. He has hits in all but two games he has played, including another couple on Friday night.
Afterwards, Haniger spoke to the media about the difference in the atmosphere around the ball park. He said:
“It kind of changed last year. A lot of Seattle Mariners fans have been showing up every night and it doesn’t matter who we play; the energy is just different. They’re a lot more into it than a couple of years ago, and rightfully so. We’re trying to make the playoffs and win a World Series, and it’s been a blast to play in front of these fans.”
As much as the Mariners struggled to produce much offense on the night, they did just enough in twice recovering from a run down. J.P. Crawford and Adam Frazier both had RBI singles courtesy of a sacrifice fly, in the bottom of the fifth and seventh respectively.
Pitching delivers as usual
As has often been the case this season, the pitching was outstanding, beginning with Logan Gilbert. The young pitcher hasn’t been quite as productive of late, so his outing on Friday night was a welcome sight.
Gilbert pitched 6.1 innings, making it his longest start since the end of May. While allowing eight hits, he gave up just two earned runs and didn’t walk anyone; he also had two strikeouts.
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Understandably, the 25-year-old would have liked to match his longest start of the season and complete the seventh inning. However, after allowing two men on base with just one out, the decision was made to remove him.
Regardless, Gilbert was happy with his outing and enjoyed going up against the Guardians’ Shane Bieber. Speaking afterwards, he said:
“I love it. That makes it a fun game for me. It’s really competitive and challenging. I like the quick games and when I get off the mound and I’m getting right back out there. I mean, I love when we score runs even more, but it’s kind of fun when it’s just going back and forth like that.”
After Gilbert left the action, the bullpen was called upon to work it’s usual magic. Despite the game going an additional two innings, they still came through in impressive fashion.
Matt Brash, Paul Sewald, Diego Castillo, Matthew Festa and Penn Murfee combined to allow just one hit in 4.2 innings. The unit remains one of the very best in the Majors, tied for first in both WHIP and batting average. (They are also eighth in ERA.)
All about the competition
Manager Scott Servais summed up the feeling of the atmosphere and the stakes involved on the evening for everyone concerned. He said:
“It’s fun. It’s why we play. It’s what’s you play for. You’ve got guys that are stepping up, getting opportunities and situations maybe they’ve never been in before. And to see them handle it in the way they do, and just keep executing and keep playing the game one pitch at a time, I enjoy it. That’s what we play for, is the competition.”
With the win, the Mariners moved up to the second wild card spot in the AL and just half a game behind the Tampa Bay Rays. Seattle will send Luis Castillo to the mound on Saturday night, hoping he can bounce back from his last outing and clinch a series win against Cleveland.
Do you believe the Mariners will provide enough offense to compliment the pitching and defense, and get them to the postseason? Or does the recent downturn in their production concern you? Let us know in the comments section blow.
