The previous article (Part 1/2) already covered the following:
- Pre-game forecast
- Game highlights
- Performance of Astros’ starting pitcher Hunter Brown
- Performance of Mariners’ starting pitcher Bryce Miller
- Performance of both teams’ bullpens
This article (Part 2/2) will continue with:
- Batting performance of both teams
- Defensive performance of both teams
- Tactical details of both teams
- What both teams need to focus on for the remainder of the season
- Summary
Now, we will delve deeper into these aspects and further analyze the highlights and key moments of the game.
⚾️ Batting Performance of Both Teams ⚾️
(Seattle Mariners’ Batting Performance)
Here is the Mariners’ starting lineup for this game:
- RF Victor Robles (R)
- CF Julio Rodriguez (R)
- C Cal Raleigh (S)
- LF Randy Arozarena (R)
- 1B Luke Raley (L)
- DH Justin Turner (R)
- 2B Jorge Polanco (S)
- SS J.P. Crawford (L)
- 3B Josh Rojas (L)
SP Bryce Miller (RHP)
Overall, the Mariners entered this game with a hot September performance, leading the league with a team wRC+ of 133. Notably, five of their starters had a September wRC+ over 140: Victor Robles (wRC+ 221), Julio Rodriguez (wRC+ 174), Luke Raley (wRC+ 166), Cal Raleigh (wRC+ 154), and Justin Turner (wRC+ 145). The Mariners’ strategy of placing these red-hot players in the top spots of the batting order aimed to ignite the offense and maximize their scoring potential.
Although the Astros’ starting pitcher Hunter Brown is a right-hander, his performance against right-handed hitters this season was weaker than against left-handers. As a result, the Mariners’ coaching staff decided to place more right-handed batters in the top spots, especially Victor Robles and Julio Rodriguez, who had been performing exceptionally well recently. They were expected to exploit Brown’s vulnerability against right-handed hitters.
In the early innings, the Mariners’ lineup challenged Brown’s pitching with disciplined plate appearances, drawing three walks in the first three innings. In the top of the third inning, Josh Rojas and Victor Robles both worked deep counts despite being behind in the count, eventually drawing walks. This patient approach forced Brown to throw more pitches and struggle with game control, raising his stress levels.
Though the Mariners created multiple on-base opportunities, Brown’s pitching adjustments and command of his various pitches limited their scoring through the first six innings. Despite their good plate discipline, the Mariners were unable to widen the gap early in the game due to Brown’s diverse pitch mix and strong command.
However, after the seventh inning, the Mariners’ hitters significantly improved their performance against the Astros’ bullpen. In the top of the seventh, Justin Turner, J.P. Crawford, and Julio Rodriguez all hit line drives, leading to a 2-0 Mariners lead. Though the eighth inning saw less solid contact (including Luke Raley’s sacrifice bunt), some well-placed infield hits kept the Mariners’ offense alive. With the bases loaded and no outs, Justin Turner’s sacrifice fly and Jorge Polanco’s line drive double extended the lead to 4-0, securing a crucial lead for the Mariners.
In the top of the ninth, the Mariners hit three doubles in the inning (Victor Robles, Julio Rodriguez, Randy Arozarena), two of which came off Astros’ reliever Seth Martinez’s sweeper pitch.
In total, the Mariners tallied 13 hits, with all starters from the 1st to 8th spots collecting hits. The first four batters combined for 9 hits. Julio Rodriguez, batting second, had an outstanding performance with three hits and two RBIs, while Victor Robles, Cal Raleigh, and Randy Arozarena each had two-hit games, leading the Mariners’ offense.
(Houston Astros’ Batting Performance)
Here is the Astros’ starting lineup for this game:
- 2B Jose Altuve (R)
- RF Kyle Tucker (L)
- 3B Alex Bregman (R)
- C Yainer Diaz (R)
- DH Jon Singleton (L)
- 1B Victor Caratini (S)
- SS Jeremy Pena (R)
- LF Jason Heyward (L)
- CF Jake Meyers (R)
SP Hunter Brown (RHP)
The Astros’ batting lineup had also been impressive in September, with a team wRC+ of 115, ranking 5th in the league before this game. Five of their hitters had a wRC+ of at least 110 in September: Kyle Tucker (wRC+ 188), Jon Singleton (wRC+ 150), Jose Altuve (wRC+ 125), Yainer Diaz (wRC+ 118), and Jason Heyward (wRC+ 110). Despite Jake Meyers’ struggles with a wRC+ of just 45, the rest of the lineup remained competitive, each posting a wRC+ of at least 80.
However, in this game, the Astros struggled against Mariners’ starter Bryce Miller, managing only two ground ball singles through the first seven innings. Their lone run came in the bottom of the eighth when Jason Heyward hit a solo home run to break the scoreless drought.
Heyward’s home run came in a 2-1 count off Mariners’ second reliever, Troy Taylor, on a sweeper pitch in the strike zone’s “8” location. The ball flew over the left-field fence at a distance of 363 feet and a launch angle of 23 degrees, marking Heyward’s ninth home run of the season and his third since joining the Astros.
Heyward’s offensive resurgence with the Astros has been noteworthy. Earlier in the season, with the Los Angeles Dodgers, he played 63 games, hitting just 6 home runs with a .208 average and a .393 slugging percentage. Since joining the Astros and playing 21 games (including this one), Heyward’s slugging percentage has risen to .455, along with improved batting performance.
Despite hitting only four total hits in this game, the Astros’ offense had limited scoring chances compared to the Mariners, who went 6-for-16 with runners in scoring position. Before this game, the Astros had scored at least eight runs in each of their last three games, showcasing their offensive potential. If they can recover their offensive rhythm quickly, it will bolster their chances in the remaining games and help them sustain their playoff drive.
⚾️ Defensive Performance of Both Teams ⚾️
Both teams played strong defense in this game, with no errors committed by either side. The Mariners’ defense played a particularly crucial role in limiting the Astros to just four hits. The Mariners’ ability to turn hard-hit balls into outs, especially in the outfield, was key to their success. The Astros were only able to score via Jason Heyward’s solo home run, as the Mariners’ defense continually thwarted their attempts to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Julio Rodriguez, the Mariners’ center fielder, had an outstanding defensive game. With an OAA (Outs Above Average) of 7 this season, Rodriguez has proven to be a reliable outfielder. In this game, he consistently neutralized hard-hit balls from Astros batters, helping Bryce Miller navigate tough spots early in the game. Rodriguez’s defensive contributions were instrumental in the Mariners’ victory.
In contrast, the Astros’ defense also had standout moments. One such play occurred in the top of the third inning with one out and runners on first and second. Julio Rodriguez hit a 92.9 mph grounder toward shortstop Jeremy Pena, who opted to throw to third baseman Alex Bregman instead of first. This decision successfully cut down the lead runner, Josh Rojas, preventing further damage from the Mariners’ offense.
Another pivotal defensive play came in the top of the seventh inning. With the bases loaded and two outs, Julio Rodriguez hit a line drive to center field, threatening to score two runs. However, Astros’ center fielder Jake Meyers delivered a perfect throw to third base, catching Dylan Moore before he could reach safely. This timely out halted the Mariners’ rally and minimized the Astros’ losses.
⚾️ Tactical Details of Both Teams ⚾️
This game was relatively quick, lasting only 2 hours and 39 minutes. The Mariners won 6-1, and although the score and hit count (Mariners 13, Astros 4) suggest a lopsided game, both starting pitchers performed brilliantly through the first six innings. The game was a pitcher’s duel early on, with the Mariners pulling away in the later innings to secure the win.
Both teams made relatively few tactical adjustments early in the game, likely because of their strong recent offensive form. However, in the top of the seventh inning, with runners on first and second and one out, Mariners’ manager opted to replace left-handed hitter Josh Rojas with right-handed pinch hitter Dylan Moore. This move took advantage of Astros’ left-handed reliever Caleb Ferguson’s struggles against right-handed batters, as Ferguson had allowed a .281 average to righties this season.
In response, the Astros quickly countered by bringing in right-hander Kaleb Ort to face Moore. However, Ort walked Moore on four pitches, failing to defuse the Mariners’ scoring threat and allowing the bases to load.
In the bottom of the seventh, with the Mariners leading 2-0, Bryce Miller was on the mound facing Alex Bregman and Yainer Diaz. After issuing a walk and giving up a single, the Mariners’ catcher Cal Raleigh conferred with
Miller, likely to adjust their pitch sequencing. Miller stayed in the game, getting out of the inning by inducing weak contact and striking out two more batters.
⚾️ What Both Teams Need to Focus on for the Rest of the Season ⚾️
After this game, both teams have five remaining regular-season games. The Astros still hold a 4.0 game lead over the Mariners, and the two teams will meet twice more in this series. If the Astros win at least one of these games, they will clinch the AL West division title and secure a playoff spot.
(What the Astros Need to Focus on)
The Astros’ offense has been on fire in September, frequently scoring over eight runs per game. However, their pitching staff has been less impressive, with a team ERA of 4.12 in September, ranking 18th in the league. Their starters and relievers have posted middling ERAs, indicating that pitching consistency remains a challenge. Rebounding quickly on the mound will be key to securing the division and competing in the playoffs.
(What the Mariners Need to Focus on)
After winning this game, the Mariners remain in 5th place in the wild-card standings, but they are only 1.5 games behind the Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals. Their strong performance in this game could boost their momentum in the upcoming matchups, keeping them in the hunt for the AL West crown or a wild-card spot.
The Mariners’ September offense has improved significantly, and maintaining this form will be critical for the rest of the season. If they can sustain their offensive surge, it will greatly enhance their playoff chances.
⚾️ Summary ⚾️
Both starting pitchers were outstanding in this game. Hunter Brown allowed only one earned run over six innings, while Bryce Miller delivered seven scoreless innings. However, the Astros’ bullpen faltered in the later innings, allowing the Mariners to extend their lead and win 6-1. This victory keeps the playoff race in the AL West highly competitive and adds excitement to the remaining games.
Sources:
- Wikipedia
- MLB Official App
- Fangraphs
- ESPN MLB
A Fan's MLB Insight 
發表留言