Mariners: Gilbert and Raleigh deliver in 3-0 win over White Sox

Logan Gilbert and Cal Raleigh once more both show their ability to produce in pressure situations, as they help the Mariners even their home series with the White Sox.

The Mariners could be forgiven for still feeling lingering effects from Sunday’s weather-delayed game and subsequent late return to Seattle. However, they came through went it mattered most, recovering from Monday’s loss to beat the White Sox 3-0.

As is often the case with the Mariners, it wasn’t easy. However, there’s no team better in tight situations, as evidenced by their Major-League leading 28 one-run wins this year.

Gilbert proves his worth

Most of the credit on Tuesday night goes to Logan Gilbert. Following recent concerns he was starting to wear down, he had his second consecutive lights-out performance.

Gilbert went six innings and gave up just five hits, while allowing no walks or runs. He also equaled his career-high of nine strikeouts.

Interestingly, the righty said he felt a bit off on Tuesday night. In this respect, you could point to just 11 first-pitch strikes versus the 24 batters he faced.

This was in stark contrast to Gilbert’s previous start, when he had 18 first-pitch strikes against the 21 batters he faced. Regardless, given his production versus the White Sox, opponents should be worried that he can be even better.

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In truth, the “off” comment alludes to the 25-year-old’s high personal standards and competitive spirit. Consider his final out in the top of the sixth, with Seattle clinging to a 1-0 lead.

With two runners on base at first and third, Chicago was poised to at least tie the game. Gilbert came through however, to strike out AJ Pollock and end the inning.

Gilbert celebrated by screaming out loudly, with a display of passion which showed how much the moment meant. His ability to both thrive in and enjoy pressure situations is a pleasure to watch.

Afterwards, Gilbert was asked about his final strikeout, which was also his hardest pitch of the night. He said:

“That’s pretty cool. I just let it go. I mean, in a big moment like that the crowd’s going crazy. It’s pretty easy to get yourself amped up and just throw as hard as you can. It’s nice. I felt like I kind of hit an extra gear there … Being a starting pitcher, you go a couple of hours. So when you get to the moment at the end of the game where you can just let it go, it’s pretty fun to see that other side of it where you just have to make one more pitch.”

Raleigh comes through yet again in the clutch

Gilbert’s performance was as necessary as it was impressive. For the majority of the night, Seattle was clinging on to a 1-0 score which came in the bottom of the fourth.

The Mariners finally gave themselves some breathing space in the eighth inning. It came courtesy of Cal Raleigh, who has been clutch time and time again of late.

Raleigh has been particularly hot during September, hitting .375 and collecting nine RBIs in five games. On Tuesday night specifically, he blasted a two-run homer to provide the security of a 3-0 advantage.

As Gilbert’s longtime roommate, it seemed fitting the 25 year-old delivered on the same night. He leads all Major League catchers with 23 home runs and Seattle is now 19-2 in games where he hits one.

As much as Raleigh was delighted with his contribution, he was more than happy to speak about Gilbert. He said:

“The reaction (to his last out) was awesome. For him to come through in that moment was huge and for him to gear back, be sitting at 99 (mph) for that last couple of batters was really impressive. It’s like Justin Verlander stuff, so it was really cool to see … I don’t think anyone’s ever gonna figure him out. He’s an interesting cat, but he’s great. He comes to the field ever day wanting to get better, focused, and it’s a guy you want out there come October.”

Manager Scott Servais was full of praise for Gilbert and the pitching in general. As for the offense, he said:

“Ty (France) gets a double (in the fourth), a really good at-bat by Mitch (Haniger). We force a ball getting by the third baseman, by Ty tagging up. Then a really good at-bat by (Sam) Haggerty late and Cal finishes it off with a home run. So not a lot to write home about offensively, but just enough. Homers at the right time really make a big difference. So we get back to even up the series and hopefully we win it tomorrow.”

Seattle will have the luxury of sending Luis Castillo to the mound for the rubber match. Entering the game, they are a percentage point behind Tampa Bay for the top AL wild card spot, with Toronto just one loss back.

What’s your prediction for the rubber match on Wednesday afternoon? Will the Mariners take the series or not? Let us know in the comments section below.