Mariners scuffle for only 2 runs in 19 innings, drop doubleheader to division rival Angels

After a Friday night victory Against the Los Angeles Angels, the Seattle Mariners seemed to have energy heading into Saturday’s doubleheader. That would not be the case however, as a long day became even longer.

Lack of hitting and a game winning home run by the Angels meant the Mariners would lose Game 3 4-2 and lose Game 4 3-0.

The Mariners came into the afternoon ballgame hot off a 8-1 victory on Friday night. Energized fans gathered under gray skies at T-Mobile Park. Both teams came into the double-header sharing similar records: the Angels at 30-36 and the Mariners at 29-36.

The first game saw a strong defensive start from both teams, with only two Angels getting on base in the first two innings

The Mariners would not see first base for the first two innings, but all that would change in the third. Left-fielder Dylan Moore hit a home run to left field — only the second dinger given up by Angels pitcher Patrick Sandoval this season.

What seemed like momentum shifted: the Angels answered with an inning of their own.

A big hit from Angels catcher Kurt Suzuki at the top of the fourth inning brought home third baseman Matt Duffy and left fielder Brandon Marsh, giving the Angels a 2-1 lead.

The next two innings, both teams would get runners on base, but not be able to put runs on the board.

Down one run, going into the bottom of the seventh inning, the Mariners needed to find a way to keep their chances alive.

With two runners on base, an RBI from center fielder Julio Rodríguez, brought home Moore and tied the game at 2-2.

Extra innings followed. Mariners pitcher Diego Castillo got two quick strikeouts, before facing Angels center fielder and Mariner-killer Mike Trout.

Trout, who had struck out three times in the game, stepped to the plate and the rest was history. A home run to center field brought him and Angels shortstop Tyler Wade home, closing the deal for game one. Angels Interim Manager Phil Nevin said after a good pitching day by the Mariners, Trout was able to get one late in the game.

“He had some tough at-bats early in the game where they pitched him really well,” Nevin said. “I mean if you’re watching the replay they pitched him really well. It was actually a pretty good pitch. Mike just went down and got it.”

In game 2, the Mariners put up a strong front to start: Pitcher Penn Murfee notched three quick strikeouts in his first major league start.

Rodríguez set the tone early in the bottom of the first inning, with a double to left field. Third baseman Eugenio Suárez and shortstop J.P. Crawford followed Rodríguez’s lead, landing on base in the first inning. but three outs followed, leaving them stranded. In the third, Trout struck again with a solo shot.

The Angels widened their lead in the top of the seventh. A double to right field by Angels second baseman Luis Rengifo led to two more runs.

The Mariners never saw home plate. Manager Scott Servais said the team is playing good defense, but they have to get the offense to match.

“I think our pitching staff is throwing the ball really well, we’re playing good defense, but you’ve got to score runs and you have to make adjustments in this league and we’re not doing it right now. Long day. Frustrating day,” he said. “You come in here with expectations of, if we pitch well, we should have a shot to win both games, which we did. We just didn’t do anything offensively.”

Nevin said it was good to see his team winning again.

“It was nice to get one, stop the losing streak. What you’re really looking for is those back-to-backs. It’s a good room in there right now.”

The teams face off for the last time Sunday.