MARINERS GAMERS

SEATTLE – This, right here, is what it is supposed to look like.

SEATTLE – This … this is more like it.

SEATTLE – The offensive numbers weren’t quite as gaudy in terms of runs scored or total hits or a lopsided outcome, the process remained the same for a second straight game. In the end, the outcome of the game – the most important result – was another victory for the Mariners.

SEATTLE – Scott Servais stood in his familiar position on the top step of the Mariners dugout. With his hands jammed into the pockets of his heavy coat on a chilly Monday night made tolerable with the roof of T-Mobile Park closed, the terse expression of disappointment he’d worn for most of this season was gone.

The Mariners' first hit mercifully arrived in the fourth inning Sunday, when Mitch Haniger chopped at a 91-mph sinker and dented it into the dirt. The ball promptly dribbled and died, while Haniger hustled out an infield single. Exit velocity: 68.6 mph. Distance in the air: 1 foot. Launch angle: minus-62 degrees. Haniger's hit was negated by a Jorge Polanco strikeout and an ...

SEATTLE – Julio Rodriguez stood on first base with his hands up in the air in disbelief as home plate umpire Bill Miller said, “after the review, the call on the field is overturned and the runner is out.”

SEATTLE – Scoring one run isn’t going to lead to wins.

SEATTLE – He’s swung and missed at pitches that he knows should’ve taken. He’s fouled off pitches that he knows he should’ve crushed. He’s failed in at-bats with runners on base and in important situations where he knows he needs to come through.

TORONTO – As they exited Toronto with a much-needed victory, featuring Cal Raleigh tormenting Blue Jays fans once again, there seemed to be a general relief surrounding the Mariners. And no, it wasn’t because announcer Aaron Goldsmith magically found his missing passport before they took off.

TORONTO – The pitch wasn’t even a strike. It was a first-pitch sinker a few inches off the outside part of the plate.

After scattering three hits across seven scoreless innings, and needing just 78 pitches to do it, Bryce Miller’s day was done. The debate was just beginning.