The Angels Return to the Outfield, Part 2

By Patrick

Blake Beavan

The Mariners won 8-6 last night. They beat the Angels for the first time in 2012 following a four-game sweep two weekends ago at Safeco. So why am I not ecstatic? Well even though the M's scored eight runs again, they didn't play particularly well. Jason Vargas allowed three runs in 5.1 innings, but got charged for a fourth because Brandon League allowed a run. Then League came back with a great seventh inning, but Shawn Kelley almost lost a four run lead in the eighth. Tom Wilhelmsen fought out of trouble though, and recorded his first career save. 

The offense starred too, with great nights from John Jaso (3-5, RBI) and Miguel Olivo (2-5 RBI). Kyle Seager hit a home run in the first inning, and Munenori Kawasaki hit his first MLB double that drove in three runs in the fifth. The game seemed pretty ordinary in the circumstances of the last week though. Which is awesome if you think about it. The Mariners scoring eight runs doesn't seem like a miracle. That's a really good sign.

June 5: Ham Sandwich (3-4, 4.72) vs. Garrett Richards (First Start of 2012)

Blake Beavan pitched well for five innings in his last start, but really, nobody can blame him. He had 17 runs of support. In the sixth, he imploded, allowing five runs and leaving right after that. The amigos haven't been great recently, and Beavan is no exception. Hopefully, he'll be on his game tonight, since the M's have a great chance against rookie Garrett Richards, who makes his first start of 2012 tonight. The M's offense has been on track lately, and they will likely enjoy themselves against the rookie. This could be another high scoring contest, unless Beavan can keep the Angels under raps. 

Players to Watch:

Justin Smoak: Rookie on the hill, the Mariners will try and find their pitch, because Richards will want to throw strikes out of the gate. Either way, Smoak can capitalize. If the rookie comes out wild, Smoak will draw walks, as he has over the last few games at an increased rate. If Richards throws strikes, then Smoak can run into one and hit his fourth homer of the road trip.

Kendrys Morales: Damn you, Kendrys. He hit two homers off of Jason Vargas yesterday in consecutive at bats. That's really irritating. You would think Jason Vargas would learn. I never cheer for injuries, but I do miss when Morales was the pathetic injured guy who hurt himself celebrating a walk off against the M's. If Morales goes yard again, I think I'm going to punch someone.

Prediction:

M's 7, Angels 3: The Mariners won't be shut down against a rookie. Sure, Chris Sale and Jake Peavy held them down in recent days, but not Garrett Richards. And Beavan pitched exceptionally or five inning in Texas last time out, so he should be able to give the M's some solid frames and keep the Angels pinned down while Smoak and the bats rip it up early on. Go M's.