If you like non-stretch pitches on the Wipitton Interstate, this is the game for you. In the final game of 2020 at T-Mobile Park today between Nick Margavicius and Zack Greenke, 16 curb balls ls parabola-ed hit poorly on either side of the plate. Like many of baseball’s finale items in sodo this afternoon season, it was a confusing performance from start to finish.
Before Tire France plunged down the left field double for the RBI, the Mariners advanced to the Bayernunners in a way that has often failed with singles from both Kyls. Seattle will reload the bases after being stretched to two stripes, but there were no silver linings today in Evan White’s disappointing first season as he clearly showed frustration. Despite taking the issue with Zack Greenke, the Astros just escaped 1-0 … something … by an innings in the middle? Was he confused about the batting order? Error copying ad on home plate? Greenke knows, but he won’t say. Unless he wants to.
Margavicius, meanwhile, made the underperforming but solid Astros lineup a delicacy. In the third order he was threatened very severely, while walking with George Springer from the top of the order continued to come first and second with him. Jose Altuwe’s miserable dream apology trip put JP Crawford in a ball line that doubled Eldmiz Dazz in second place to end the threat. He will see the first and second one more time, as he gets into trouble again in the fifth with George Springer’s three-pitch dismissal and fly out of Altuwe once again. If tonight is the last time we see Margavisius, and he’s probably, by most metrics, as a league-average starter. Turning 24 year old waiver pickups into an average starting pot is a great recipe for investing heavily in risky s to relieve your organization from making aggressive moves elsewhere or knowing you have a more reliable depth. Murgavicius has not made himself a person, which the Mariners must necessarily plan around, but he has considered it as part of the puzzle.
Add-n played in Seattle 5. Kyle CJer had a double at first in JP Crawford with a double that Crawford turned to RBI at his own pace.
Did JP get a taste of victory? I will let you be a judge.
Tie France once again put Caesar on one side of the ball close to victory with a ball drawn in the left corner. It wasn’t Seattle’s heaviest night on the plate, but they’ve lost by more than nine hits and three runs, and with the quality of their pitching staff, knowing a day f tomorrow, was enough. Kendall Graveman and Anthony Mizuix worked two shut out innings before turning ninth-seeded Yoshihisa Hirano.
Seattle’s veterans are understandable in their near-confidence, inexperience for the rest of their bullpen. His top fastball in the L92૨ and the split-change that only occasionally gives strong commands, however, can make things dice. Today was one of those times, as Hero gave up two runs, putting Altuwe on the plate with a pair of runners at the end, Finally Strike Altuwe to win. It’s always satisfying to see a win against Houston, even in a game, which probably means little to both teams unless there’s a sweep for both clubs over the weekend. But a comfortable, smooth flavor, like a nice sweet cracker, these mariners will taste on their way to Auckland for the conclusion of the season. It’s not a steak, or a perfectly crisp potato and pepper, or a triumphant celebration of champagne. But it is better than dirt. It is better than dirt.
