HIGH HEAT

Looking back at one of the best homestands in Mariners history

Aug 14, 2014, 10:29 AM | Updated: 10:44 am

The Mariners outscored opponents by 35 runs while going 8-1 on their recently-completed homestand. ...

The Mariners outscored opponents by 35 runs while going 8-1 on their recently-completed homestand. (AP)

(AP)

The Mariners put the finishing touches on one of the best homestands in team history Wednesday by blanking the Blue Jays 2-0 and sweeping Toronto back to the land of maple syrup. The Mariners’ 8-1 homestand has vaulted them into a tie for the second wild-card spot and has firmly entrenched Seattle in the thick of the playoff race.

The Mariners outscored their three opponents by 35 runs on the homestand. Seattle now owns the second-best run differential in all of MLB (this is not an exclusive American League West stat despite its appearance):

1. Athletics: plus-172
2. Mariners: plus-89
3. Angels: plus-86
4. Nationals: plus-86

Hisashi Iwakuma pitched twice on this homestand and yielded one earned run in 13 2/3 innings. He walked one hitter and struck out eight. Felix Hernandez also pitched twice and yielded two earned runs in 15 innings.

Since June 29, Felix and Iwakuma have combined for a 1.60 ERA and .176 batting average against. In 124 innings they struck out 120 hitters while only walking 17. Ridiculous.

AL ERA leaders since June 29:

1. Corey Kluber, CLE: 1.33
2. Felix Hernandez, SEA: 1.35
3. Jon Lester, BOS/OAK: 1.38
4. Chris Sale, CWS: 1.69
5. Hisashi Iwakuma, SEA: 1.83
6. Jeremy Hellickson, TB: 2.03
7. Max Scherzer, DET: 2.06
8. James Shields, KC: 2.14

The Mariners’ pitching staff did not allow more than three runs in a game during the entire homestand. Of course, when the Mariners do yield three runs it means their season ERA actually goes up since it’s currently sitting at 2.95. Seattle’s ERA in August is 1.77.

The Mariners scored more than four runs in all but two games of the homestand. They currently rank fourth in runs scored in August with 59. They are also 48-10 this season when scoring four or more.

Logan Morrison hit .313 and scored seven runs on the homestand. Chris Taylor hit .375 and scored six times. Dustin Ackley drove in nine runs in the nine games.

Since the trade deadline, the Mariners rank fourth in MLB in runs (59), fourth in home runs (13), sixth in batting average (.261), fifth in on-base percentage (.329) and sixth in slugging percentage (.413).

The Mariners are now 10 games over .500.

Mariners Roof Report

Brought to you by
Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
High 56° | Low 40°
No game today.

High Heat

If the M’s come back from two games out with three games to go, they wouldn’t be the fi...

Gary Hill

Is all hope lost for Mariners? It wasn’t for the 1999 New York Mets

The Mariners may be two games out of the playoffs with three games to go, but a comeback isn't completely unprecedented.

10 years ago

James Paxton was called up earlier Wednesday to start in place of the injured Felix Hernandez. (AP)...

Gary Hill

Mariners looking at the most important day of their season

The Mariners are 1.5 games out of the second wild-card heading into their series opener with Toronto. Time is running out to make up ground, and today might be their best chance to do so.

10 years ago

Conor Gillaspie’s bases-clearing triple helped the M’s gain some precious ground on Kan...

Gary Hill

White Sox factoring heavily into Mariners’ postseason chances

If the Mariners are going to surpass Kansas City for the second wild-card spot, they could use some help from the White Sox, who play the Royals five more times.

10 years ago

Mariners left-hander James Paxton owns a miniscule 1.83 ERA in 39.1 innings this season. (AP)...

Gary Hill

Paxton, Walker can help Mariners’ suddenly struggling rotation

The Mariners' starting rotation has improved significantly from last season, but with that group struggling of late, Seattle could use a boost from James Paxton and Taijuan Walker down the stretch.

10 years ago

The Mariners swept the Red Sox in Boston over the weekend for the first time in franchise history. ...

Gary Hill

Looking back on the Mariners’ epic sweep in Boston

The Mariners swept aside the Red Sox at Fenway Park for the first time in club history over the weekend thanks to an epic comeback on Friday night and a bare-knuckle slugfest on Sunday.

10 years ago

With another gem Tuesday against the Phillies, Hisashi Iwakuma is putting together one of the best ...

Gary Hill

No. 2 starter? Mariners’ Hisashi Iwakuma is more like another ace

With another gem in the Mariners' 5-2 win over Philadelphia, Hisashi Iwakuma continues to be one of the best -- and most underrated -- pitchers in baseball.

10 years ago

Looking back at one of the best homestands in Mariners history