Cruz HR not enough as Dodgers sweep struggling M’s

LOS ANGELES — Nelson Cruz went deep again Wednesday night. That makes six homers in five games and at least one in five straight games. And the good news pretty much ends there for the Seattle Mariners.

The Los Angeles Dodgers roughed up Taijuan Walker for three runs in the first inning and completed a three-game sweep over the Mariners with a 5-2 victory at Dodger Stadium.

Sure, the script changed for the finale. The Mariners built early multi-run leads Monday and Tuesday before allowing the Dodgers to scramble back for a pair of 6-5 walk-off victories.

This time, it was the Dodgers. And no real counter-punch — in part because of stunning mental lapse by Robinson Cano while the Mariners were mounting a rally in the sixth inning.

“Any time you lose, it’s ugly,” manager Lloyd McClendon said. “Tonight, we got in the way of our talent. No question about it.”

So, yes, Cruz’s homer and little else on the plus side.

Walker (0-2) gave up five runs and six hits in four innings before exiting for a pinch-hitter. That makes two rocky starts for Walker after winning a rotation spot with a dominant spring.

“He’s not the only one,” McClendon said. “I’m not going to pick on that kid, but if you ask me if I’m concerned with our starting pitching, yes. We’ve got to get better. We’ve got to get deeper in ballgames.”

It also meant a beleaguered bullpen had to chew up four more innings. The rotation averaged just five innings per game on a 2-4 trip through Oakland and LA that included three extra-inning games.

“We’ve got a real good bullpen,” McClendon said, “but they won’t be worth a darn if we keep running them out there. We’ve got to get better efforts from our starters.”

Cruz got his homer by driving a 1-1 slider from Brett Anderson over the center-field wall with two outs in the fourth inning. In doing so, Cruz became fifth player in franchise history to hit homers in five straight games.

Jay Buhner did it twice (1995 and 1996). Richie Zisk did it in 1981, and Alex Rodriguez did it in 1999. Ken Griffey Jr. had an eight-game run in 1993.

Cruz’s homer cut the Dodgers’ lead to 5-1.

“When I hit the ball the other way,” Cruz said, “is when I’m feeling real good.”

The Mariners drew closer in the sixth after loading the bases with no outs, which knocked Anderson out of the game. In came Paco Rodriguez, who retired Kyle Seager on a run-scoring grounder to first.

Then it got strange.

When Logan Morrison drew a walk, Cano began trotting home — as if the bases had been loaded. He realized his mistake too late and was thrown out before he could scramble back to third.

Asked if it was the dumbest thing he’d ever done, Cano answered, “I would say yes. I felt in that situation, I was the dumbest guy in the game. There are no excuses for that.”

Mike Zunino’s grounder to third resulted in a force at second that ended the inning.

Sheesh.

Anderson (1-0) worked the necessary five innings for the victory before Paco Rodriguez, Chris Hatcher, Pedro Baez and J.P. Howell closed out the LA sweep.

The Mariners, at 3-6, now have an open date Thursday to regroup before opening a nine-game homestand Friday with the first of three weekend games against Texas.

“(Thursday) should be good,” Cruz said. “A day to freshen your mind and start fresh on Friday. I think everybody needs a day off.”

Walker appeared in no real difficulty in the first inning with a runner at first and two outs before a walk to Tuesday hero Howie Kendrick set up a big inning.

It was Kendrick’s two-run single Tuesday that provided the Dodgers with a 6-5 walk-off victory. This time, he extended the inning for Andre Ethier, who drove an RBI single to left.

Anything close to a good throw by left fielder Rickie Weeks makes for an interesting play at the plate. As it was, Yasmani Grandal scored easily.

Scott Van Slyke followed with a two-run double over Weeks’ head and, that quickly, the Mariners were in a 3-0 hole.

“I feel like I just didn’t establish my fastball enough,” Walker said. “It’s frustrating. Really frustrating.”

There was a lot of that coursing through the Mariners’ clubhouse as they packed up for the trip back to Seattle.

Looking back at his lapse, Cano said, “I wish they could have thrown me over left field. Those are the things that make you feel embarrassed, especially when you’ve been in the game so long.

“I told the manager, it’s my fault. I should pay attention.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

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

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck 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)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (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.