Mariners notebook: Haniger update; Mariners capitalize; Gallardo bounces back

Alec Gearty

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Mariners notebook: Haniger update; Mariners capitalize; Gallardo bounces back image

The Mariners have — so far — split a critical series with the Mets. With James Paxton taking the hill on Sunday, the Mariners have an opportunity to move within three games of the American League's final wild card spot. 

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Here are the latest news and notes from the Mariners

Mariners benefit from Mets’ mistakes

The Mariners were going to take every opportunity they could to score against Mets starter Jacob deGrom on Saturday. The matchup was an uphill battle as deGrom had one his last eight starts dating back to June 12.

It looked as if deGrom had the Mariners figured out after a quick first inning. As the Mariners had runners on base in the bottom of the second, Neil Walker would be the one to do the most damage to his teammate.

Robinson Cano’s fielders choice became a catalyst in the Mets debacle when Mets second baseman Neil Walker misread a cutting Asdrubal Cabrera. Walker sent the ball into left field allowing Mariners outfielder Ben Gamel to advance to third base in the process. Nelson Cruz’ sacrifice fly would later score Gamel to give the Mariners a 3-0 lead. Jarrod Dyson led Seattle at the place and went 2 for 3 with two RBIs.

Walker’s error proved to be the deciding factor in the game as the Mariners preserved a one-run lead and secure a 3-2 win.

Mitch Haniger injury update

Mariners’ outfielder Mitch Haniger was the unfortunate recipient of a 95-mph Jacob deGrom fastball to the face.

Haniger dropped to the ground in an instant and was tended to by manager Scott Servais and trainers.

The 26-year-old was immediately removed from the game and taken back into the clubhouse for further evaluations. Servais would later clarify that Haniger hadn’t suffered any facial fractures but will be placed on the 10-day disabled list.

"Obviously anytime something like that happens, it's a little bit scary," Servais said. "He's got no fractures, his teeth are OK. He's got a pretty severe laceration on his upper lip, and he's getting some work on that now. But it could have been a lot worse"

Gallardo’s questionable exit

Yovani Gallardo had faced both New York clubs in his last two starts.

On June 23 against the Yankees, Gallardo allowed three home runs, leading to an early exit.

On Saturday, Gallardo bounced back to vintage form and held the Mets scoreless through five innings. In the top of the sixth, Gallardo set aside the first two Mets hitters but faced trouble as Yoenis Cespedes and Neil Walker reached on singles.

Gallardo was removed with 84 total pitches, relieved by Tony Zych.

Zych had trouble locating a tight strike zone and wound up walking the next two batters, allowing the Mets to cut into the deficit. Zych eventually escaped the inning with little damage, but there’s no hiding that Gallardo stood tall against one of the NL’s best right-hander.

Alec Gearty