Opinion
4 min read

Will Angels' Bats Ignite Against Mariners at T-Mobile Park?

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Sep 13, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners right fielder Teoscar Hernandez (35) hits a RBI-single during the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Angels are set to face the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on June 1, and fans are eager to see if the Angels can turn their recent struggles around. The game will be broadcast on Apple TV+, and it promises to be a crucial matchup for both teams.


The Angels have had a rough patch lately, losing three consecutive games. Their most recent defeat came against the Cleveland Guardians on May 25, where they fell 10-4 despite managing nine hits. The pitching staff struggled significantly, with starter Patrick Sandoval giving up eight earned runs in just 3.2 innings. This performance highlighted ongoing issues with consistency on the mound.


Sep 13, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners starter Luis Castillo (58) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports

However, there is hope for the Angels' offense. In their previous game against the Houston Astros on May 22, they managed to score five runs and collect eleven hits in a close contest that went into extra innings. Key hitters like Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani showed flashes of brilliance that could bode well for their upcoming clash with Seattle.


On the other hand, Seattle has been relatively steady this season but not without vulnerabilities that LAA could exploit. The Mariners’ bullpen has shown cracks under pressure in recent games, which might provide an opening for LAA’s hitters if they can stay patient at the plate and capitalize on scoring opportunities.


Sep 12, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Los Angeles Angels third baseman Mike Moustakas (8) attempts a throw to first base against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

One area where LAA must improve is situational hitting; leaving runners stranded has been a recurring issue as seen in their loss to Houston where they left fourteen men on base across ten innings. If they can tighten up this aspect of their game while maintaining aggressive baserunning tactics—despite having no stolen bases recently—they might find success against SEA’s pitchers who have occasionally faltered late in games.


Defensively too, LAA needs sharper execution after committing errors that cost them dearly against CLE (one error) and HOU (one error). Clean fielding will be essential to support what has been an inconsistent pitching rotation thus far.


As for SEA's lineup, containing power hitters like Julio Rodríguez will be critical; he poses a significant threat given his ability to change games with one swing of his bat. The Mariners also boast solid depth throughout their batting order which means LAA’s pitchers must bring their A-game from start to finish without lapses in concentration or control issues—something that plagued them previously when facing HOU's disciplined approach at bat resulting in multiple blown saves by relievers such as Carlos Estévez who recorded two blown saves recently.


In conclusion: For Angel fans hoping for redemption after recent disappointments—the key lies within balanced performances across all facets: timely hitting backed by sturdy defense coupled with reliable pitching efforts especially from starters aiming deeper into outings minimizing bullpen exposure early-on thereby setting favorable conditions towards clinching victory over SEA come June 1st starting at 7:10 PM PT live exclusively via Apple TV+.

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