
Seattle Mariners Sweep Padres: Unstoppable Pitching and Exciting Changes!
2025-05-19
Author: Chun
Seattle Mariners Surge Ahead in AL West
With a stunning sweep of the San Diego Padres, the Seattle Mariners (26-19) have bolstered their position in the AL West, now sitting 2.5 games ahead of rivals Houston Astros (24-22) and Texas Rangers (25-23). The Mariners are on fire as they embark on the second leg of their 10-game road trip.
Pitching Staff Steals the Spotlight
In a remarkable display against the formidable Padres lineup, the Mariners' pitching staff went 3-0 with a jaw-dropping 1.00 ERA. Rather than relying on strikeouts, they adopted an aggressive strategy, challenging hitters and letting them put the ball in play. With only four walks issued throughout the series, the pitchers demonstrated remarkable control.
Pitching coach Pete Woodworth praised the team's performance, stating, "They were tremendous the entire series. Minimal free bases; they made them swing it." Every starter earned accolades, with Bryan Woo’s fastball deemed "on another planet," while Logan Evans impressed with his ability to make the batters chase his breaking balls. Emerson Hancock showcased a newfound confidence, bringing a palpable intensity to the mound.
Matt Brash: A Welcome Return with a Twist
The Mariners revel in the successful return of Matt Brash, who is making waves since coming back from elbow surgery. Having pitched in five games post-injury, the team remains cautious with his workload. Brash is now available after just one day off, but exciting changes in his pitching repertoire have fans buzzing.
Brash has introduced a new kick changeup to his arsenal—an innovative pitch he innovated while sidelined. He observed MLB trends during his recovery and recognized the need for a pitch that would baffle left-handed batters. Out of the eight changeups he has thrown, two resulted in strikeouts, showcasing its potential as a game-changer.
The 2023 season saw him relying heavily on his four-seam fastball, but since returning, Brash has only thrown it once. Instead, he's found success leaning on his effective sinker against right-handed batters and captivating breaking pitches for lefties. He expressed confidence in his evolving approach, stating, "I feel like the sinker hasn’t been hit hard and it’s really good early in the count."
Next Stop: Chicago!
The Mariners are now set to face the Chicago White Sox in a three-game series starting at 4:40 p.m. Monday, with comprehensive radio coverage on Seattle Sports beginning at 3:30. Fans are eagerly anticipating what this dynamic team will bring next!
More Mariners Excitement!
Stay tuned for more updates on the Seattle Mariners, including insights into top pitching prospects and brilliant performances that keep fans on the edge of their seats!