Mariners notebook: Solid baserunning in win over Giants

SAN FRANCISCO – The Mariners’ 5-1 win over the Giants Monday night may have been the cleanest game the team has played this year. Manager Lloyd McClendon thought so and I find it hard to disagree with him. From the pitching of Taijuan Walker to the defense to the timely hits, the Mariners showed what they have the potential to do and put together a complete game in the process.

Not to be overlooked was the baserunning. From Nelson Cruz running all-out to stay out of a double play and allow the first run to score to the successful send of Brad Miller as the go-ahead run to Logan Morrison’s steal of second to get into position to score a valuable insurance run, it was all good on the bases. So good that I had to talk to the baserunning coach Chris Woodward for the pregame show. Six minutes of baserunning talk. Why not.

So here it is. Woodward shares not only what went right Monday night for the Mariners but why they were running, why it hasn’t worked out well for them for the majority of the season so far and why they will continue to run. Also, what the coaches stress to the players and some insight on individuals, including Morrison, Kyle Seager, Austin Jackson and Cruz. It’s a good conversation and I wanted to share it with you.

Today, the Mariners have a speedster in the lineup.

Lineup!

Logan Morrison, 1B
Seth Smith, LF
Robinson Cano, 2B
Nelson Cruz, RF
Kyle Seager, 3B
James Jones, CF
Brad Miller, SS
Mike Zunino, C
J.A. Happ, LHP

Notes

• James Jones gets the start in center as Jackson is getting a day off. McClendon admitted that Jackson’s ankle will most likely not be 100 percent until the offseason so he will get Jackson rest where he can. Jackson still must ice the ankle after games.

• Third-base coach Rich Donnelly is back with the team after missing Monday’s game with stomach pains, which required a trip to the hospital. He is expected to be on the field for today’s game.

• Mark Trumbo is not in the lineup for the third straight game but McClendon believes he should be available for pinch-hitting duties and should be back in the lineup Wednesday.

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