Opinion
3 min read

Can Angels' Pitching Silence Mariners' Bats at T-Mobile Park?

The Los Angeles Angels are gearing up for a crucial matchup against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on June 2, and the stakes couldn't be higher. The Angels have shown flashes of brilliance but have struggled to maintain consistency, particularly in their pitching department. However, this upcoming game presents an opportunity for redemption and a chance to turn their season around.


Sep 12, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford (3) throws to first base against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

In their recent games against the Cleveland Guardians, the Angels displayed both strengths and weaknesses that will be critical in this contest. On May 26, despite a valiant effort with nine hits and four runs, they fell short by one run due to some lapses in pitching. Reid Detmers had a challenging outing as he allowed five earned runs over nine innings. The bullpen also showed vulnerabilities with an ERA of 5.0 and allowing three stolen bases without catching any runners.


However, it's not all doom and gloom for LAA fans. The team’s hitting has been relatively solid with an average batting average of .257 across recent games. They managed to hit three home runs on May 25 against Cleveland's Logan Allen but were let down by Patrick Sandoval's performance on the mound as he conceded seven losses without much support from his defense.


Sep 12, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford (3) hits a three-run double against the Los Angeles Angels during the fourth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

The key question is whether LAA can tighten up their pitching enough to stifle SEA's offense at T-Mobile Park. Historically, SEA has been known for its potent lineup capable of turning games around quickly with explosive innings. If LAA’s pitchers can limit walks—something they struggled with recently—and keep SEA’s hitters off balance early in counts, they stand a good chance of controlling the game tempo.


On the offensive side, LAA needs more timely hitting under pressure situations; leaving runners stranded has been an issue as seen from their left-on-base numbers which reached double digits multiple times recently (13 on May 26). Players like Mike Trout need support from lower-order batsmen who must step up when it matters most.


Sep 11, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Andres Munoz (75) pitches to the Los Angeles Angels during the ninth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

SEA will undoubtedly look to exploit these weaknesses while relying heavily on their own strong suits such as aggressive base running—a tactic that caught LAA off guard previously—and consistent middle-order power hitters who can change game dynamics swiftly.


For fans eagerly awaiting this showdown scheduled at 1:10 PM PT (4:10 PM ET), ROOT Sports NW will provide live coverage ensuring no moment is missed from what promises to be another thrilling chapter between these two teams battling it out fiercely within division standings.


As we approach June 2nd clash between these rivals under bright lights at T-Mobile Park—the outcome hinges significantly upon how well each team addresses its respective shortcomings while capitalizing effectively upon opponent vulnerabilities making every pitch count towards ultimate victory!

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