HOUSTON — Not long after Game 1 of the American League Division Series ended Tuesday, MarinersAssistive technology Paul SewaldHe stood in front his locker, answering question after question about the one who got away.
The AstrosThe seventh inning saw a loss of four runs. The team rallied to win 8-7The Mariners Yordan AlvarezA three-run walk-off and home run was scored Robbie RayHe was making his third appearance in relief since 2014.
“For us not to finish, it’s frustrating,” Sewald said.
The late-game implosion by the Mariners’ bullpen, a rarity for a group that has been so good this season, certainly left an indelible mark following the way this one ended.
It was more like a punch to your gut.
“It’s like a heavyweight fight,” said Seattle manager Scott Servais. “You’re going to get punched. It’s how you respond in those moments. That’s a tough one. I thought we had it in hand.”
It sure looked that way at first, with the Mariners scoring early and often against. Justin VerlanderSeattle faced Seattle six times during regular season. Seattle scored four runs in Seattle’s second inning. Six runs were scored by Seattle in the fourth. Verlander earned six runs.
