Mariners: Robbie Ray shuts out Guardians again in 4-0 win

Robbie Ray carries on where he left off in August with another outstanding start, while the Mariners offense does enough to help ensure a series win in Cleveland.

July was a terrible stretch for Robbie Ray, with his five starts for the Mariners including back-to-back nightmares versus the Astros. In all it was his worst period of the season, including monthly highs for hits (28) and ERA (5.40).

However, Ray responded in the best possible way during August, with monthly lows for hits (19) and ERA (1.64). He pitched five games in total, all of which qualified as quality starts.

The 30-year-old’s 11.18 strikeouts-per-nine innings ratio ranked second in the AL in August (minimum of 25 innings pitched). He also had 41 strikeouts, which were tied for fourth-most in the AL during that span.

Of most importance right now though, Ray has carried his excellent form into the month of September. On Saturday night he had another strong outing, to help the Mariners towards a 4-0 win over the Guardians.

High standards for Ray

Interestingly, the 2021 AL Cy Young Award winner didn’t feel he had his best stuff on the night. Yet he still went six innings, allowing just six hits and no walks or runs, while striking out three.

The main time Ray faced any genuine challenge was in the bottom of the fifth, when he allowed back-to-back singles to begin the inning. He soon recovered though, getting the necessary three outs and not giving up any runs.

If anything, the 2017 All-Star’s biggest problem came when he accidentally swallowed a large bug during the fourth inning. It left him coughing and spitting, but he recovered soon enough.

After the game, Ray was asked what he relied on to get through the fifth inning when two runners were on base. He said:

“I think the four-seam was the biggest thing. I just tried to bare down and throw my best pitch. Tonight it seemed like the four-seam was working really good, top of the zone, and I was able to get out of that jam and get back in the dugout.”

Not that Ray needs any inspiration, but the play of his teammates still provided extra motivation. He said:

“It’s great. I mean a team win is probably the best kind of win, you get everybody contributing. Obviously, Ty getting the home run early (and) getting out to an early lead is huge. Then at that point, you’re just trying to get your team back in the dugout and put up some zeroes, and give them a chance to score more runs. It was kind of a long first inning, so I was just trying to get as deep (as possible) into this game and give us a chance to win.”

Offense plays its part

Aside from Ty France, the Mariners also get RBIs from Mitch Haniger (via a bases loaded walk), Cal Raleigh and J.P. Crawford. While the offense did enough on the night, concerns remain about their ability to produce consistently.

Of course, any concerns are helped when you have pitching as strong as Seattle’s. There is little doubt they have one of the best rotations in the Majors, with the likes of Ray, Luis Castillo, Logan Gilbert and George Kirby.

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The strength of the pitching extends to the bullpen, which on Saturday night did its usual job of shutting down the opposing team. Matt Brash, Andres Munoz and Paul Sewald combined to allow just three hits and one walk in three shutout innings. (Brash should also be commended for a fantastic throw he made to first for one of his three outs.)

When looking at the pitching staff in its entirety, they truly do give fans confidence in the team. Seattle ranks sixth in the Majors in team ERA, is tied fifth in WHIP, tied sixth in walks per nine innings and tied ninth in batting average. (Rankings following Saturday’s slate of games.)

Manager Scott Servais had plenty of reason to be happy on the night, with one aspect particularly pleasing to him. He said:

“A nice job all around. A shutout. A heck of a job by our pitching staff and Cal behind the plate. Offensively, Ty got us going. A lot of really good at-bats. A young pitcher out there (for Cleveland) grinding through it, making him throw strikes. Cal with the RBI single. Not a ton of damage tonight, we certainly had some chances. We lined out a couple of times with the bases loaded, but again, shutouts are beautiful.”

At 75-58, the Mariners are now a season-high 17 games above .500 and remain in the second AL wild card spot. They will send August AL Rookie of the Month Kirby to the mound on Sunday afternoon, as they aim to sweep the Guardians.

Are you at a point now where you’re more focused on which wild card spot the Mariners end up with? Or do you still have doubts they will finally end their postseason drought? Let us know in the comments section below.