Mike Leake just misses perfection in Mariners’ 10-0 win over Angels
Jul 19, 2019, 9:51 PM | Updated: Jul 20, 2019, 1:31 am
Mike Leake almost threw the second perfect game in Seattle Mariners history. He still threw quite the gem.
Game recap: Leake’s shutout leads Mariners past Angels
Angels second baseman Luis Rengifo punched a single through the right side of the infield to lead off the ninth inning, ending a string of 24 straight retired from the outset of the game by the veteran Mariners right-hander. Leake ended the night with a complete game shutout, however, leading the M’s to a 10-0 win.
Here’s where things get weird.
Leake’s last start was seven days prior against the same Angels team in Anaheim. He didn’t make it out of the first inning of what turned out to be a 13-0 Angels win. Not only that, but opener Taylor Cole and headliner Félix Peña combined for a memorable no-hitter in Anaheim’s first home game since the death of Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs. Cole was again the opener against the Mariners on Friday, but this time Seattle scored a combined 10 runs versus Angels pitching in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings.
Leake finished the game with six strikeouts, one hit and a walk – the walk coming on the very next batter after Rengifo’s single. Perhaps most notable is that Leake retired Mike Trout all four times he faced the Angels superstar, including a strikeout to lock up the shutout.
A shutout on 98 pitches.
What a performance by Mike Leake. 👏 #GotYourBack pic.twitter.com/OZ63Cm6MCz
— MLB (@MLB) July 20, 2019
The shutout was Leake’s second complete game of the season. That ties him with three other pitchers for the most in the majors in 2019.
It’s a distinct possibility that Leake’s performance could end up being his final outing in a Mariners uniform. He’s been the subject of trade rumors all season, and was reportedly almost sent to Arizona earlier this year. The MLB trade deadline is July 31, and his trade value no doubt improved with his shutout against the Angels.
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