Mariners still struggling to score runs

Rebuilt over the winter to produce more offense, the Mariners have done almost everything but that this season.

The Mariners entered Monday’s 5-0 loss to the Angels 11th in the American League with a .253 team batting average, 13th with just 16 home runs, 11th with 103 RBI and 13th with a .366 slugging percentage.

Pitching, their biggest concern after spring training, has been one of the Mariners’ strengths. Their 3.87 ERA ranked fifth in the league.

“They’ve kept us in ballgames and allowed us to win games late, which we’ve done,” Manager Mike Hargrove said. “Our pitching has been outstanding, both starters and relievers.”

Hargrove isn’t concerned, yet, that the offense remains in neutral.

“We haven’t found our stride yet, but I think we will,” he said. “Usually the first month of the season, teams are settling in trying to find their stride, and that’s what we’re experiencing.”