BRENT STECKER

Notebook: Despite dramatic win, Mariners’ problems still present

Jun 25, 2016, 5:27 PM | Updated: 5:30 pm

Joaquin Benoit struggled with his command, walking three and hitting another batter Friday. (AP)...

Joaquin Benoit struggled with his command, walking three and hitting another batter Friday. (AP)

(AP)

Perhaps overlooked after the Mariners’ thrilling walkoff win on Friday night were the reasons Adam Lind’s home run was necessary: a bad showing by a key reliever and poor production with runners in scoring position.

Before Cardinals closer Trevor Rosenthal gave up three runs without recording an out in the ninth, Seattle setup man Joaquin Benoit had all sorts of command problems, issuing three free passes and hitting another batter, eventually walking in the tying run before being pulled. Donn Roach did well enough in relief of Benoit, but two more runs scored when Kyle Seager couldn’t handle a hot shot to third.

Benoit was signed in the offseason to be a reliable piece of the bullpen who could also be insurance if closer Steve Cishek faltered, but the 38 year old has one DL stint under his belt and struggled to the tune of a 4.50 ERA and 1.39 WHIP. He also has 11 walks to 19 strikeouts, which is off the much better ratios he posted in each of the past six seasons.

The frustrating part for the Mariners was that Benoit’s appearance erased a lead built after they finally received a strong outing from a starting pitcher, as southpaw Wade LeBlanc perplexed the Cardinals over six innings that was reminiscent of Jamie Moyer’s glory days. Also frustrating was the lack of run support provided by the Mariners, who scored just one run – on a fielder’s choice, no less – before the ninth.

It may have been a much-needed win for Seattle, ending a six-game losing streak, but the Mariners aren’t out of the woods yet. The problems that have plagued them over the entire month of June were still present Friday night. Luckily there are a couple new arms in the bullpen and a starting rotation that will look much more healthy in a week or two.

Notes

• Seattle manager Scott Servais said the news on injured rookie starter Adrian Sampson was worse than expected; the 24-year-old from Sammamish will undergo season-ending elbow surgery. A positive is that it won’t be Tommy John surgery, which Sampson has had performed on his right arm once before.

• Wade Miley is expected back from the disabled list to start Wednesday vs. Pittsburgh after all reports were good from his scoreless, four-inning rehab start for Single-A Everett on Friday. As for Felix Hernandez, his recovery is starting to ramp up. Servais indicated The King has bullpen sessions in his near future, followed by either a sim game or rehab assignment if all continues to go well.

Mariners Roof Report

Brought to you by
Patchy Fog then Mostly Sunny
High 66° | Low 43°
Roof is open
Rockies at Mariners today at 1:10pm

Brent Stecker

Seattle Mariners Julio Rodríguez...

Brent Stecker

Mariners Odds & Ends: MLB The Show ratings, uniform notes and more

A look at some Seattle Mariners notes that have nothing to do with the box scores, including video game ratings, new hats and promotions.

11 days ago

Seattle Mariners Cade Marlowe...

Brent Stecker

Which Mariners stood out in first week of spring training games?

We break down which Seattle Mariners players have provided the highlights after a week of spring training, with plenty of video along the way.

15 days ago

Seattle Mariners trade Polanco Jorge...

Brent Stecker

Mariners Trade Breakdown: Who is new 2B Jorge Polanco?

Do the Seattle Mariners finally have their answer at second base after their trade for one-time All-Star Jorge Polanco?

2 months ago

Seattle Mariners Mitch Garver...

Brent Stecker

What stands out as Mariners make Mitch Garver signing official

The Seattle Mariners have officially signed of Mitch Garver. We look at what was revealed in Thursday's announcement by the team.

3 months ago

UW Huskies Sugar Bowl Michael Penix Jr. Alamo Texas...

Brent Stecker

Here we go again: How are UW Huskies underdogs in Sugar Bowl?

Despite a higher ranking in several key ways, the No. 2 UW Huskies are the underdogs against No. 3 Texas in the Sugar Bowl. We take a look a why.

4 months ago

Seattle Kraken...

Brent Stecker

Was Kraken’s Winter Classic jersey leaked by NBA team, wrestling company?

The Seattle Kraken Winter Classic uniforms have yet to be officially released, but an NBA team and wrestling company apparently leaked their sweaters this weekend.

4 months ago

Notebook: Despite dramatic win, Mariners’ problems still present