May 4, 2017

Danny Valencia had four hits, including a home run, and the Mariners dominated the Angels on Thursday night 11-3 at Safeco Field.

Ariel Miranda (3-2)  pitched seven strong innings for the Mariners, giving up just 2 runs on 7 hits to collect the win.

Alex Meyer (0-1) got roughed up in his first start of the year for the Halos.  He went 4 innings, giving up 6 runs on 8 hits.  Meyer made 90 pitches, consistently delivering his powerful 97-mph fastball, but struggled to command it.

“He showed flashes of why we’re excited about him,” Angels manager Mike Scioscia said afterward. However, Scioscia wasn’t sure what Meyer can do to fulfill that potential.  “Right now, that’s the $64,000 question,” he said.

It was a tough go for Meyer from the beginning.  He hit the 1st batter he faced, walked the second, then allowed an RBI double to Nelson Cruz, all in the 1st inning.

Meyer gave up a leadoff walk in the 3rd, then struck out a pair of Mariners.  Just when it started to look like he was settling down, Kyle Seager and Valencia delivered a couple of singles, and it was 2-0.  Guillermo Heredia’s bloop single drove in another run.  Seattle would tack on two more in the 4th inning, and it was 6-2.

“You gotta get ahead early,” Meyer said. “Here’s my fastball for a strike. Here’s my breaking ball. You’ve gotta pound the zone. Otherwise, it puts them in a position where they can swing the bat more comfortably.”

The Angels couldn’t generate much offense in this one either.  Juan Graterol had a 2-run single in the 2nd inning, and Andrelton Simmons produced an RBI groundout in the 8th inning.  Yunel Escobar had four hits on the night.

Mike Trout had the night off after Mike Scioscia said the slugger’s hamstring was a little tight.

The Angels will return home for a 3-game set with the Astros next over the weekend.  Jesse Chavez (2-4, 4.50 ERA) starts for the Halos on Friday, opposed by Houston lefty Dallas Keuchel (5-0, 1.21 ERA).