Costly Choices in Extras
Mariners vs Athletics: The Seattle Mariners fell to the Oakland Athletics 7-6 in 11 innings on Monday night. It marked the Mariners’ second straight loss, something that hadn’t happened since early April.
The extra-inning thriller ended on a walk-off single by Jacob Wilson, who leads all AL rookies in major categories. After the game, Mariners manager Dan Wilson said the loss was on him.
“That’s on me and that’s a tough way to lose,” said Wilson.
Extra-Inning Chaos
- In the top of the 10th, the Mariners grabbed a 6-5 lead. Cal Raleigh tagged up and scored from third on a shallow fly to left.
- But in the bottom half, Wilson’s single tied the game again. It was the first run Mariners closer Andrés Muñoz allowed all season.
- Muñoz then loaded the bases on a walk and a catcher’s interference. But he escaped with three strikeouts to send it to the 11th.
- Seattle failed to score in their half of the inning. In the bottom, the A’s ended it. Manager Wilson had chosen to intentionally walk Shea Langeliers and JJ Bleday, both struggling against right-handers. That brought up Jacob Wilson, who made them pay.
Why Jacob Wilson Was a Bad Matchup
- Wilson came into the game hitting .333, fifth in the majors. With runners on, he was hitting .423. He had only struck out twice in those spots all year.
- Bleday, in contrast, was batting just .174 against right-handers. He had only four hits in tied-game situations this year.
- Still, the Seattle Mariners chose to load the bases to face Wilson. The decision backfired.
Bryce Miller Struggles Again
- Starter Bryce Miller continued to show signs of inconsistency. He allowed early damage and couldn’t finish hitters.
- Miller gave up several hits with two strikes. He used 94 pitches over four innings, his shortest outing this season.
- “It took me two innings to get a feel of the off-speed,” said Miller.
- He had just one strikeout. It was his lowest total since last July.
Ben Williamson Delivers From the Bottom
- Seattle got big contributions from the bottom of its lineup. Rookie Ben Williamson had two soft but clutch two-out RBI singles.
- His first came in a four-run third inning. The second tied the game in the eighth.
- The Mariners nearly took the lead that inning but couldn’t push across another run.
- In the ninth, they threatened again. J.P. Crawford and Julio Rodríguez walked. But Raleigh struck out after fouling off five pitches.
Mariners Look to Regroup
It was a game full of missed chances and late mistakes. The Mariners vs Athletics series continues Tuesday in West Sacramento, the A’s temporary home.
“We were hoping for a ball on the ground,” Wilson said. “He put it on the ground. We just couldn’t get it.”
Source: The Seattle Times
