Mariners get one hit in 2-0 loss to Angels

SEATTLE — Only a bloop single Wednesday night by Abraham Almonte prevented the Seattle Mariners from suffering the fourth no-hitter in franchise history.

And that, really, is the only offensive highlight they mustered in a 2-0 loss to the Los Angeles Angels, who got a dominant performance from right-hander Garrett Richards and their bullpen at Safeco Field.

Albert Pujols’ two-run homer in the third inning against Mariners rookie lefty Roenis Elias provided Richards and the Angels with the only runs they needed.

“I made a bad pitch,” Elias said. “It was a little high. But you’ve got to give credit to Pujols. He prepared for a pitch like that, and he got it.”

Richards, 2-0, won his previous start in an 11-1 rout at Houston after the Angels opened the season by losing three at home to the Mariners. He lasted just five innings against the Astros but overmatched the Mariners.

“His stuff was moving all over the place,” said Robinson Cano, who was hitless in four at-bats. “Most of his stuff was down. But when he struck me out in the first inning, it was straight, straight and then cut.

“You’ve got to give it to the guy. He pitched outstanding tonight.”

Richards yielded just one hit in seven innings — Almonte’s broken-bat looper in the third. Richards did walk three, while striking out six. Two other batters reached on errors.

It added up to zero.

Almonte’s hit was well-placed into short right field, but the Mariners never came close to another hit.

“Listen, when you run into a buzz saw like that,” manager Lloyd McClendon said, “where a guy is throwing 96-97 (mph) and he’s getting an 86-89 mile-an-hour slider over, it’s going to be a tough night.”

Elias, 0-1, struggled with command at times — he threw 91 pitches in five innings — but yielded only four hits. Pujols’ two-out blast was a no-doubter, though. The official estimate pegged it at 418 feet.

The bullpen kept the Mariners close by delivering four scoreless innings in continuing an early-season trend. The unit has yielded five earned runs in 252⁄3 innings.

Remove the work of Hector Noesi, who was designated last week for assignment, and the numbers jump to two earned runs in 242⁄3 innings.

All it did Wednesday was keep the game close.

The Mariners raked the LA pen for 13 runs over 132⁄3 innings this season in winning all four previous games, but Joe Smith and Ernesto Frieri each delivered a scoreless (and hitless) inning.

Frieri worked around a one-out walk for his first save of the season.

The loss dropped the Mariners to 5-3 and forced them to settle for a split in the two-game series. It also dropped them into a tie with Oakland atop the American League West Division.

The A’s conclude a series today at Minnesota before coming to Safeco for a three-game weekend series. The Mariners have an open date today before sending Felix Hernandez out against the A’s in the opener.

The last time the Mariners managed just one hit in a game was last July 20 at Houston … and they won 4-2. Not this time.

Pujols’ blast was his second two-run homer in as many nights. He jumped an 0-1 changeup that Elias left up in the zone and sent it soaring over the left-field wall.

“I’d throw the same pitch,” Elias said, “but, obviously, I’d throw it a little bit lower.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.