In a recent series of games, the Seattle Mariners demonstrated strong offensive performances, particularly from Jorge Polanco and Mitch Haniger. Polanco hit a significant three-run homer that contributed to an early lead against the Cubs, with his shot traveling at 109.9 mph to right field, scoring teammates who were on base due to walks. This early advantage was further supported by Haniger, who also delivered a two-run homer at 104.4 mph, bringing the score to 5-1. Despite these efforts, in an earlier game, Polanco's two-run homer was not enough to secure a win, as the Mariners fell to the Cubs with a close score of 3-2. The Mariners' offensive push included a taxing 44-pitch inning for Cubs pitcher Frankie Montas, who was visibly struggling.
104.4 MPH off the bat of Haniger to chase a cutter over the plate, over the LF wall and Frankie Montas. 5-1 lead and we're not even through the 3rd. #Mariners
Haniger gets a 1-0 cutter in the middle of the plate and puts it in The Pen. 2-run shot with Polanco on with a walk. That will end things for Montas. 5-1 Mariners.
8 Mariners to the plate: Clase hit one on the nose to RF Jake Fraley to end the 3-run inning. Not-so-casual 44 pitch inning for Frankie Montas.
Jorge Polanco smokes one to give the Mariners an early 3-0 lead! That’s already made Frankie Montas throw over 40 pitches in the first inning! https://t.co/V6R0zMU308
Three run shot for Jorge Polanco! https://t.co/nRz8biBVSK
Scott Servais remarked before the game that his team is grinding and needs to "lighten up." Two straight 3-2 walks to open the 1st, and Polanco just smashed a 3-run bomb. Montas is scuffling, and the Mariners are all over him. That'll help.
Polanco 3-run bomb. 3-1 laser (109.9!) to right scores Crawford and Julio both aboard on walks. I do believe we call this an early lead. 3-0 Mariners.
Polanco's 2-run homer not enough, Mariners fall to Cubs 3-2 https://t.co/992l2L7fcQ